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Kevin Rotty Obituary
Published in the Tucson Newspapers on 1/6/11.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Rotty
March 1, 2011
Kevin was a man who "walked the talk." He was a humble man who according to the world's standards, had a lot to crow about. I thank God my family had the privilege of knowing Kevin, even the short time we knew him. He was an example of a real Christian. We are so sorry for his loss and have felt a sadness that he will never know now that he is in heaven walking, basking with his Savior.
Arnie Lewin
February 26, 2011
To the Rotty Family:
I met Kevin when I was a fat, pimply kid with a very hot, used 1969 Z-28, that I had just bought.
With carburetor trouble, someone advised me to see Kevin at Townsend Racing.
Kevin did not treat me like a little kid, but as real person and a customer. Kevin was someone that I looked up to.
When I sold the car, I lost touch with Kevin and that was just about 40 years ago.
My regret is that I never went back to look him up and to sincerely thank him for his kindness.
Thank you for taking care of him all these years. He was a very kind person to this fat kid with a hot car.
Kevin was a gentleman,very kind and nurturing.
January 20, 2011
Kevin and I were classmates at St. Pete's and Salpointe. I will never forget how he helped Fendo and I build our rails out of a 1951 Ford our senior year. What a great guy and friend. My condolences to his family. We will all miss his great smile and willingness to help. Take Care John McQuown
Mari Rotty
January 13, 2011
To All the Wonderful Friends that have written notes: Thanks so much from me and our kids. As evidenced by all the wonderful comments, we are going to miss a fantastic husband, father, competitor and friend. I am moment by moment overwhelmed by the hole this leaves in my heart and life, but know Kevin is in Heaven waiting for me. Thanks for your precious comments and know I have read every one and hold them dear to my heart. Mari Rotty
Natalie Dunn Newton '61
January 13, 2011
Dear family of Kevin Rotty: Thank you for putting Kevin's photo online. I know there are many of his Salpointe classmates who were glad to see his smile once more! He was a kind, sweet guy who was liked by all! He will be sorely missed at our upcoming 50th reunion.
Deepest sympathy,
Bryan Moreno
January 13, 2011
The entry below from Peter Webster is by my step father, I met him when I was 2 and started going to Tucson Dragway with him. On several occasions, I remember watching Kevin race and remember that he was good, plus my Dad told me he was! I remember a specific time about mid-way back in the staging lanes walking up to Kevin and asking him if I could sit in his car and to my surprise he let me! Later my Dad thought I was fibbing...LOL! He didn't believe me and I guess that shows how nice Kevin was...he even had time for a little rugrat that was cruising around the staging lanes :)
Peter Webster
January 12, 2011
I drove the Hot Rod City Camaro and raced against Kevin many times ( most of the time I lost). Even when we competed head -to-head, Kevin was always willing to help and give constructive advice to fellow competitors and myself. Class act !
Pete Webster
Valerie Bridges
January 11, 2011
My heart felt condolences to your family. Kevin and his ready smile will be missed by all his Salpointe Class of 1961 classmates. Valerie Haber Bridges
Ernie Ballesteros
January 10, 2011
Hello Mari, Matt, and Krystal,
My heart was pained but I know that he ran the full coarse and won.
He is now with the Almighty and his son Jesus.
I don't know, but it was destined that I should cross such wonderful
person who's spirit was genuinely kind and trusting, When he would
great me there was a smile that reflected a young innocent child.
I hope you realize now that he encouraged me very much and not only
are my prayers for you, but that you continue with the lord, and if ever
I will continue trying to be as his spirit was and still is.
A true friend alway with thanks,
Ernie Ballesteros
Don & Madonna Toia
January 10, 2011
Mari,
We have many great memories of Kevin.
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 10, 2011
To Mari and familey. I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of Kevins Passing. I met him in the early 70s when he was driving for Dickie Harrel and working at Townsend Racing Works on Glen. He was a great inspiration to us new guys trying to work our way into the sport. Although we haven't seen much of one another the last few years I always considered him a good friend. He will truely be missed. I'll always remember his laugh. Terry and Cathy Green
David DeConcini
January 10, 2011
I knew Kevin back at Salpointe days and always remember his good nature and easy smile. He will be missed by all of us and my best wishes go out to all his family.
Sam Aston
January 9, 2011
Kevin was a great guy. It didn’t matter whether you owned an old clunker or an expensive race car, he was always willing to talk to you and offer advice. I always enjoyed our discussions about cars and racing at Tucson Raceway and watching him work on Frank Townsend's yellow Camaro.
Jacqueline Flick Chinn
January 8, 2011
I was a Salpointe classmate-even then he was kind and funny. It appears that he led a full and rewarding life...a goal for all of us.
Cindy & Dave DeFer
January 7, 2011
Mari, Matt, and Krystal,
You are in our prayers. May you be comforted and find joy remembering all the wonderful memories that you have of Kevin. Cindy & Dave DeFer
January 7, 2011
All though we've been out of touch for many years, Kevin's work on my wheelchairs and other assorted projects will forever be a reminder of him. I know he loved his family more than anything and he will be missed by so many. Mike & Darlene Smyth
Michael Rao
January 7, 2011
Mari, Krystal and Matt, Jan and I are saddened and stunned at Kevin's passing. We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to you and only found out today. Kevin was a special husband, father, friend, and racer and will be missed by all who knew him. Jan and I would like to come over and visit at your convenience. Love, Jan and Michael.
Michael Rao
January 7, 2011
Mari,we are saddened and stunned by Kevin's passing and extend our thoughts and prayers to you, Krystal and Matt. We will contact you next week, as we would like to visit when it's convenient for you. Love, Jan and Mike Rao.
January 7, 2011
Mari, Krystal, and Matt- What a loss...always a genuine smile, and he made you feel important to him. And of course, such a talent for doing so many things. His departure creates a vacuum...
Jon and Kathy Hurst
January 7, 2011
Mari,
I am sorry for your loss of a great guy. Kevin and I were classmates since the 4th grade and I had the pleasure of spending time with Kevin at our 45th reunion remembering our days at St. Peter & Paul and then Salpointe. We had some good laughs. We will miss Kevin at our 50th. My condolences to you and your family.
Sheila (Ring) Steele
January 7, 2011
Mari,
I a sorry for your loss of a great guy. Kevin and I were classmates since 4th grade and I had the privilege of spending time with Kevin at our 45th reunion remembering our years at St. Peter & Paul and then Salpointe. We had a lot of good memories and laughed a lot. We will miss him at our 50th. My condolences to you and your family.
Sheila (Ring) Steele
January 7, 2011
Mari, So sorry to here about the sudden lost of Kevin. I will be praying for the healing and comfort only the Lord can give to your family. It is now easy for those left behind but rest assured he is in a better place. Blessing, Annette Bohnenkamp
Gary Smith
January 7, 2011
I loved to watch Pro Stock as a kid. Being that most drivers were stereotyped as having big egos, Kevin was the exception to the rule. He was one of the nicest people I ever remember at the races. Very kind and easy going, and treated me like a family member even though I was just another stranger. Truly an angel who walked amongst us is now gone. But he will forever be in my good memories. RIP Kevin.
Roger and Connie Coonts
January 7, 2011
Mari and Children
What a great guy, Kevin will be missed. While it is a blessing to know that Kevin is with our Lord, we know it is very painful for you and are thankful you have Jesus to walk by your side. Praying for you as you walk through this trial in His mercy and grace.
January 7, 2011
Mari, Erik and I are in N.C. and just heard of Kevin's sudden passing. We are so sorry and are praying for you and the kids. Love, Chris and Erik Bengds
Bill Pratt
January 6, 2011
Farewell to Kevin. I always cheered for the racer who drove a real live car in a class dominated by tube chassis machines. I saw Kevin win the 1977 Division 7 race at Orange County over such luminaries as Dick Landy and Sonny Bryant. Thanks for the thrills, Kevin.
Peggi Andersen
January 6, 2011
Mari,
My condolences to you and the children. I have many fond memories of past times Donnie and I spent together with all of you, although it has been many years since I saw you. I will not be able to attend the services tomorrow due to prior commitments.
Take care and I know how much we will all miss Kevin. He was special.
January 6, 2011
I remember Kevin as a sweet, gentle and kind man. After high school he helped me with my car a lot, I would never have learned to downshift without him. He was funny and had a smile for everyone. My very sincere condolences to his family and friends. Kate Dillon (Manemann)
Sherry Rost
January 6, 2011
Kevin's family:I am so sad to hear of Kevin's passing. He and I worked together at Arete for over 2 years, he always had a great smile and many inspiring and interesting stories to tell. He always made the time to brighten my day. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed by many people.
January 6, 2011
My condolences to Kevin's family.
James Basko
Basko engine service
Gilbert Az
Dwayne Warren
January 6, 2011
Kevin will be truly missed.He always came by my Department and always had a smile.
January 6, 2011
Mari, I am praying for God's comfort for you, Matt, and Krystal. I'm so sorry for your pain.
Love,
Sandy Shoffner
John & Becky Cutright
January 6, 2011
Dear Mari, & family,
We're so sorry for your loss...Kevin was a wonderful blessing to so many...the love of Jesus showed clearly on his face and in his life. He'll be greatly missed! We're praying for all of you. Love you so much!
John, Becky & Lauren
Pomona, Ca. Feb. 2005
Tommy Johnson Sr.
January 6, 2011
Tommy Johnson Sr. Tommy Johnson Sr. Tommy Johnson Sr. This makes me very, very sad. It seems like just yesterday Kevin Rotty, Lee Hunter and Diamond Jim Baker came to my house in Fort Madison, Iowa for a party and then we all went together to Indy to race. Now both Kevin and Lee Hunter are gone. He will be missed by many of his old friends like Jim Baker and my family.
Pat & Anna Neal
January 6, 2011
Mari, Matt, and Krystal: We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Kevin was truly a joy to be around and a wonderful person. We will all miss him very much. God Bless. Love,
Leslie (Meyer-Bernard) Henley
January 6, 2011
To Kevin's Family:
We grew up going to Tucson International Raceway in the 70's. There are so many good memories with good times. May you all have peace knowing you will be reunited again one day. Stay strong for one another.
January 6, 2011
May you rest in peace, Kevin. Your smile lives on.
My condolences to Kevin's family.
Salpointe Classmate, Cindy Ciampa Johnson
Salpointe Catholic High School
January 6, 2011
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to the Rotty Family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Dale Frei
January 6, 2011
Kevin was a very special person and will be greatly missed...
January 6, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill and Yvonne Rickard
January 6, 2011
You will always be in are hearts and prayers, gone to soon.
Todd Baker
January 6, 2011
I have always enjoyed working with Kevin, both at Kaman and later at Arete Associates. His attitude and wealth of knowledge was awesome and would tackle any problem with a smile on his face. He loved what he did and would only brighten further when he talked of his family. We are all going to really miss Kevin in so many ways and I am grateful to have known him.
albert carreras
January 6, 2011
Albert & I want to convey our deepest sympathies to Mari & family in the passing of our long time high school friend Kevin. Albert spent many hours with him & the other guys working on cars & just goofing off in high school. We are so sorry to know that he is gone so suddenly & we didn't get to say goodbye. Rest in Peace dear Kevin. Albert & Jerrie Carreras
January 6, 2011
Albert & I want to convey our deepest sympathies to Mari & family in the passing of our long time high school friend Kevin. Albert spent many hours with him & the other guys working on cars & just goofing off in high school. We are so sorry to know that he is gone so suddenly & we didn't get to say goodbye. Rest in Peace dear Kevin. Albert & Jerrie Carreras
Dennis Fendo
January 6, 2011
Kevin,old friend and classmate. Not a coincidence that I thought about you yesterday. Were you saying your final good byes? Burn some rubber on God's track.
January 6, 2011
Don said, "I had such a good talk with him at the Christmas get-together." He was a very special man! Our hearts and our prayers are with you Mari, Krystal, Matt and family. Love, Don and Val Edwards
Joe and Sue Paugh
January 6, 2011
Heaven gained a great guy! We remember Kevin for his smile and kindness. It was always a joy to see him and get a hug or handshake. It's a comfort to know that he is talking with the Lord and we will one day reunite. Mari, Krystal, Matt and family, we love you guys!
Randy & Deanna Jones
January 6, 2011
Mari, We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayer for you is that God provides you peace and comfort. We are so glad that Kevin enjoyed the blessings of receiving a grandchild into the world. Please call us if you need anything.
Susan Anderson
January 6, 2011
I had the honor of working with Kevin at Arete the last three years. No matter what the circumstances he always had a smile on his face. I will treasure our early morning talks before the rest of the office arrived. There is a big hole that has been left that nobody else will be able to fill.
Doug Herzog
January 5, 2011
RIP My good freind Kevin Rotty........ Doug Herzog, Herzog Motor Sports
Hop Bailey
January 5, 2011
I met Kevin in 2001 and worked with him at Arete and later at Steward Observatory for several years. This man was a great joy to be around. He brightened every situation just with his presence. We worked hard together and succeeded. Kevin solved problems. When he said he'd take care of it you could take his word to the bank. He always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. A man you could trust and a man you wanted to be with. Rest in peace, Kevin, and know that you left many friends behind who remember you fondly.
January 5, 2011
It was a shock to us to hear of your passing. We will miss your great smile. Still trying to accept the news. Love, Andy and Anita Neal (Tucson, AZ)
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