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BORN
1932
DIED
2014
Steve Rossi Obituary
His friend of 40 years, Michael Flores told The Associated Press on Sunday that he visited the pal who introduced him to the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in hospice care in Las Vegas on Friday, and he was weak from cancer of the esophagus that had spread but wasn't in any pain.
"I met every major entertainer in the country through Stevie, and I'm going to miss him," said Flores, who was manager of the Silver Nugget casino when Rossi was producing burlesque shows at another property, meeting through a hotel owner.
The Las Vegas Sun originally reported Rossi's death Sunday.
The duo appeared regularly on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" and "The Merv Griffin Show." They also toured comedy clubs nationwide and headlined shows at major Las Vegas casinos in the 1960s until they split up in 1968, the newspaper reported.
They also famously appeared on Ed Sullivan's show multiple times with The Beatles.
"Everyone remembers those shows with the Beatles, and they were great, but we appeared on all the shows," Marty Allen told the Sun. "There wasn't a talk show on TV that didn't want Allen & Rossi."
Friends like Rich Little and Wayne Newton told the Sun of good times they had with the comedy legend.
"He was a great man and a great friend," Newton told the newspaper.
Little, a fellow funnyman, said Rossi "understood comedy, and we dreamed up jokes together."
Flores told the AP that he and Rossi traveled together, played golf and tennis, and often watched fights on TV at Flores' home in the Las Vegas Country Club, where Rossi even lived briefly in the mid-1970s.
Rossi was a casino entertainment director living in a hotel suite, but didn't know anyone. He asked to come over and watch TV one day and ended up staying about 3 ½ years, Flores said, laughing.
"He had a fabulous life," Flores said. "He was America's guest."
Rossi graduated from Loyola Marymount University, had a great sense of humor, was very creative and wrote music, including his hit "More."
Flores added that Rossi was religious and thought the comedian had made peace with his illness.
Rossi is survived by his wife, Karma, two children and two grandchildren.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Steve Rossi
66 Entries
Harry Simpson
June 22, 2017
Rest Steve, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
July 21, 2014
My Husband and I knew Steve and Loved Him.Jules and Ed knew Steve since the 1950's. Ed and I were fortunate to have meet up with him again this past year in Vegas. We send our condolences to you and the family. We were out of town for his memorial. Respectfully, EdItt
July 2, 2014
To Steve's family,
I am sorry for your loss, may the many wonderful memories you shared comfort you at this time. I will miss Steve calling for the mass times and seeing him at St Joseph, HUsband of Mary Church. May he rest in eternal peace. Rachel C
July 1, 2014
I have known steve for about 12 years.he was a great guy with.a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to karma and Steve's family.
Don McKay. Kingston. Ont.
June 30, 2014
My condolences to the family. May we all patiently await the fulfillment of God's promise recorded in his Word at John 5 Colin 28, 29
Andy & Marlene Wheeler
June 29, 2014
We were both so fortunate to have known such a great guy! We played a lot of (bad) golf at Lake Las Vegas, enjoyed each other's company and have such wonderful memories of our times together. Our world has certainly changed and we are all poorer for his passing. Love, Andy & Marlene Wheeler
Mary Beth Olvey
June 27, 2014
I had the pleasure of starting the first fan club for Allen and Rossi in the early 60's. Marty remains a dear friend of mine. Steve was always so gracious when I would meet with him at various performances. A lovely man who will be missed. Peace to his family. You are blessed with memories.
The Carters
June 27, 2014
We are forever grateful to Mr. Rossi for the joy he brought into our lives. He can rest in peace now knowing that he put his heart and soul into his work, and it was a job well done. Present your petitions in prayer, rest assured that God will give you the support you need.--Psalm 145:18. With heartfelt condolences.
June 27, 2014
Mr. Rossi,
You will be very missed and we had the distinct privilege to have worked with you and will be blessed by your comedic charm and can say that it was an honor to know you,
Guillermo and Constanza Areizaga
Everything Entertainment, Inc
george johnson
June 27, 2014
To the Rossi Family,
May the God of comfort be with you all.(1Cor. 1:3)And have fond memories of him .
Mike Kimbler
June 26, 2014
I'm a friend of Henry Wood , i'm sorry for your loss . Its never easy to lose a loved one , i lost my brother at 42 . May God be with your friends and family .
June 26, 2014
Dear family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May the fond memories you have stay in your heart and mind. Phillipians 4:6&7 tells us to pray and make supplication to God and you will have peace. Soon one day God will put an end to death. We can be sure of this because God cannot lie. Continue to pray and never give up.
Bobby Rydell
June 26, 2014
Steve I will miss you very much my friend.But I will always cherish our times together, and most of all our friendship.Rest in peace buddy, Ciao
June 26, 2014
May the God of all comfort, comfort the loved ones of Steve at this time. 2 Cor. 1:3.
June 26, 2014
MAY THE LOVE OF GOD FILL YOUR HEART,AND PROVE TO BE WITH YOU AT THIS DISTRESSING TIME IN YOUR LIFE..FOR HE HAS SAID I-I MYSELF AM THE ONE THAT IS COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE.ISA.51:12...............
Ikaika Bayudan
June 25, 2014
Thoughts, prayers, and aloha... Rest in paradise
Jacques Chiappini
June 25, 2014
RIP... Steve Rossi... we met not long ago but we did appreciate each other personality and humor. We had several good laughs. May you rest in peace and God opens the gates of His Kingdom for you..
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 25, 2014
rip
Florida
June 25, 2014
I've seen him before in some shows and he was a man with a great sense of humor. Truly sad news we receives today. Psalms 27:1- I can understand the pain that times like this can only bring to the family, May God grant them strength and inner peace to deal with it.
me and mom (Molly)
Nino Tafarella
June 25, 2014
I send condolences to Gina, Dean, Santi Jr., Teri Duba, Kathy and other close family and friends to Steve. May we learn through God's grace the blessings bestowed upon our lives with each other and through the spirits of those whom have passed... yet still with us.
I offer my time, concern and care to you all, in any capacity that I am capable of, at any time, near or far.
Nino Joseph Tafarella
Love You, Steve
Deseranno Family
June 25, 2014
My life and the life of so many others has been richly enhanced because of your friendship. I will never forget you Steve, and on behalf of my entire family want to thank you for all you have done. Sharing your life, your kindness, and your constant thoughtfulness, has left us all with wonderful memories. Thank you my friend. "Che il buon Dio ti doni pace e vita eterna" ... rest in peace.
Jane Dowling
June 25, 2014
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
June 25, 2014
Please accept my deepest condolences towards the loss of your family member and/or friend. Nothing hurts worse than losing that one person that made you laugh, that was there for you when you needed them, or that person you could tell your personal secrets to. Very sorry.
Henry Fleming Wood
June 24, 2014
May Our Lord Welcome This AWESOME! Talent (And Singer) Into The Gates of Heaven, RIP My Friend 16 Years or More. I will do what it takes to get out there Friday. I have canceled ALL! Shows until the service, I did leave it with my address of a family friend (or might been your grandson). I know you're going to make them all up there laugh. Many thanks for the opportunities to work with as well. Karama if you need any help for the funeral including be a pal bear let me know. G B U Steve
June 24, 2014
Frank Emma
I knew Steve when he was Joe. We both sang in the Loyola Glee Club from 1950 to 1954. Steve sang at my wedding and I pair him 5 dollars. I think that was the least he was ever paid to perform.
He was a great person and will be missed by anyone who ever was lucky enough to meet him.
He and his family are in my prayers.
June 24, 2014
FOR MY LATE FATHER, MAY THEY BOTH RIP FROM REESE O'DONNELL NHE WAS MY FATHERS FRIEND
June 24, 2014
TO STEVE FROM MY LATE FATHER WHO WAS STEVE ROSSI'S FRIEND RIP REESE.
June 24, 2014
But after you have suffered a little while. the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. To him be the might forever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11.
June 24, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. The time will come and all those in the memorial tombs hear his voice John 5 vs 29; 30.
June 24, 2014
My condolences to the Rossi family. May you find comfort from God's word recorded at Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 regarding the loss of your love one.
Fred Kiser
June 24, 2014
Steve and I were friends since 1977. I met him at the Holiday International Casino downtown Vegas when he was headlining a showgirl production in the main show room. The last time I heard from Steve was last month when he left me a voice mail inviting me to his surprise 80th birthday party, just don't tell anyone I know about it. The month before Steve came by my bar to have a hotdog with me, he loved hotdogs. Vegas has lost another one of the great entertainers that built this town, and I have lost a dear friend. My condolences to his wife Karmie and his family.
June 24, 2014
Good Bye Steve.. I hope GODS a sense of humor, He's going to need it... The world has lost a Great Man....
Bob your friend at TJMaxx
Sandee
June 24, 2014
Blessed to call you both friends. Honored to witness your beautiful wedding vows 11 years ago. Oh how he loved you Karma. Take comfort that God has a plan with both of our men. "Whoever calls upon the Lord shall be saved." (Roman 10:13)
We love you Karma
Randy Farb
June 24, 2014
Rest in peace, Mr. Rossi. You made many of us laugh, and i wore out needles playing your albums. You have blessed us with your life.
Alex-Sandra Molina
June 24, 2014
May the laughter in Heaven be a little louder today, as we share a time of sadness. Thank You, Steven Rossi for sharing yourself with the world.
Maryland fan
June 24, 2014
Thank you for the laughter which made everyone's day happier and easier. RIP, Mr. Rossi.
KJ
June 24, 2014
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. May God give you strength and lift you up during this most difficult time(Isaiah 57:15). Our hearts and prayers are with you. He will be dearly missed by all.
Tina
June 24, 2014
Dear Rossi Family,
May our condolences bring you comfort during this time and the the God of comfort will be with you.
Losing a loved is hard when they are sick or not. Once said, "We're on the same train in life, but those who have fallen asleep in death are in the sleeper car" till they hear God for them by name, including Stevie.
When Steve wakes up by the sound of God's voice, he will wake up to a new world where pain and suffering won't exist anymore. And Steve will able to entertain us once again along with all of his buddies who have passed away over the years.
Sorry once again
Walther & Ska Kahl
June 24, 2014
We are so saddened to learn of Steve's passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family. He will truly be missed. R.I.P our friend.
Diane Glassett
June 24, 2014
To my dear friend...Thank you so much for coming into my life and bringing such joy and laughter. It was an honor knowing you and being able to call you a friend. We will miss you and will always cherish our time together. Hope you find that big stage in heaven and keep them laughing forever MORE... love you!
Joe Glassett
June 24, 2014
My wife and I had the extreme pleasure of spending a little time with Steve and Karma over the past few years. This is very sad news but Steve leaves behind a legacy of joy from his work. The last time we saw him perform was at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert a few years ago and he brought down the house. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karma and to Steve's family. He was quite a guy...
David Saks
June 24, 2014
Goodbye Dere, Steve.
We miss you already!
Don DeSeranno
June 23, 2014
Sharing your life, your kindness, and your thoughtfulness, has left us all with wonderful memories. Love you, Steve. RIP my friend.
T D
June 23, 2014
Please accept my condolences and rest assure that this is not Gods will that we die but he has made it so that we can live how we were suppose to live...FOREVER John 3:16
June 23, 2014
My condolences
May the God of all comfort help you during this difficult time. Soon a grand time will come when death, pain and suffering will be no more.
Valdez/Chavez@
Victoria&Andrew ~:~
June 23, 2014
Our condolences
to this
wonderful man
STEVE ROSSI rip`
kind Humor witty
full house Royal
inspiring
Drama Life respected
talent works of comedy
GodBless you..
upon a new light
of ones Spiritual Journey@
Donna M.
June 23, 2014
Allen & Rossi: There's nothing like them today. Excellent. Good-bye. R.I.P well.
June 23, 2014
My condolences, Throw your burden on Him and he will sustain you.He heals the broken hearted; He binds up their wounds.
Gene Yuhas
June 23, 2014
Steve will find a stage to make them laugh in heaven and also join the choir of angels with his magnificent voice. It was truly a pleasure to be a friend.
June 23, 2014
My deepest condolences and prayers to the families
Harry Simpson
June 23, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Thanks for the laughs R.I.P. Steve Rossi
ricky kelly
June 23, 2014
Frank G
June 23, 2014
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Rossi when he gave a show in Vegas with Mr. Allen and Karen Black. When I told him I had his album, he laugh and said " So you are the guy that bought that album.
A great entertainer.
June 23, 2014
rest in peace my friend, iam going to miss you, don mustaccio, palm desert ca.
June 23, 2014
Psalms 90:10 says: “The span of our life is 70 years, Or 80 if one is especially strong”.
Thomas Bennett
June 23, 2014
I saw Allen & Rossi perform with Carol Burnett at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera in the summer of 1962. Steve was the perfect straight man and also an excellent singer.
Jim & Nadia Widdifield
June 23, 2014
There will never be another "Legend" like Steve. He was a special individual. Our sincere condolences to Karma and the rest of Steve's family. He will be greatly missed.
James Willner
June 23, 2014
May the eternal light shine upon him.....
Terru Zezza
June 23, 2014
I remember watching them growing up. We will Steve. He has such great talent. RIP Steve. The Rossi family is in our prayers. Steve is now one of the LORDS angels making them all laugh in heaven. Loved you!
June 23, 2014
may the GOD of heaven keep you in is memory
June 23, 2014
R.I.P Rossi Another Big loss from the Better Generation
KEN&MARY O'DANIEL
June 23, 2014
WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE,PRAYERS&CONDOLENCES TO THE ROSSI FAMILY,FRIENDS&FANS&ALL WHO KNEW MR. ROSSI
June 23, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill
June 23, 2014
He was such a hilarious and talented guest on Howard Stern show years ago. Always up for anything.
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