Andrew R. Rossi

Andrew Raymond Rossi, age 90, of Center Ridge, passed away May 14, 2009, in his home with his family by his side. He was born December 25, 1918 in Center Ridge, Arkansas to Joseph Rossi and Mary Paladino Rossi. He was baptized into the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Center Ridge, and attended school at the Catholic Point School. He served our country in the United States Army during World War II where he traveled to many countries by ship and ate something he spoke of often as his least favorite thing-mutton. Andy, as his family and friends called him, was a machinist by profession. He worked for the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan for many years before retiring and moving back home. His survivors include his wife, Mathilda Jo Miller Paladino Rossi that he married in June of 1983, he loved to pester her by taking the credit for her good cooking; four sons, Ken Rossi and his wife Loraine Anderson of Torrance, California, Joey Rossi of San Diego, California, Larry Rossi of Rogers, Arkansas, and Richard Rossi of Morrilton, Arkansas; two step-daughters, Marilyn Hawkins and her husband Joe of Jerusalem, Arkansas, and Patricia Wheeler and her husband Calvin of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; step-son, Angelo Paladino and his wife Terri of Center Ridge, Arkansas; sister, Bernice Minchella of Michigan; ten grandchildren who he loved to swing and sing with him on his florescent orange porch swing with its foot rest and pull rope, John Hawkins and wife Andrea, Keith Hawkins and wife Pamela, Hollie Wheeler Linam and husband Jarred, Hilary Wheeler Hubbard and husband Brandon, Angela and Ashley Paladino, Antoni and Christian Rossi, Trey and Trevor Paladino; thirteen great-grandchildren, Cameron, Savanna, and Paige Hawkins, Taylor and Westin Church, Nathaniel, Tess, and Logan Hawkins, Brennen, Brady and Bella Hubbard, Kaylee and Trinton Paladino. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise DeSalvo Rossi; step-son, Ricky Paladino; three brothers, Joe, Gene, and Tony Rossi; and sister, Francis Straker. No matter what the task was, Andy always found a more efficient way to get it done! A memorial Rosary will be Sunday at 7:00 p.m. with a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Center Ridge. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or Arkansas Hospice. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net

Andrew R. Rossi

December 25, 1918 - May 14, 2009