John 'Butch' Rossi

John D. “Butch” Rossi, 70, of Middletown, died Sunday, September 11, 2005, at his residence. He was born in Middletown, on February 2, 1935 to Rocco and Leona (Ragucci) Rossi.

Butch was a member of the first graduating class of Fenwick High School in 1953 and also graduated from the University of Dayton in 1958. In 1958 he began teaching and coaching at Fenwick High School. His career spanned 41 years and in addition to teaching and coaching, included Athletic Director, Dean of Discipline, Principal, and Director of Development. He served as president of the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association 1976-1978, coached the State Class A State Basketball Championship team in 1982, was inducted as a lifetime member of the James A. Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994, and member of the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995. He served as president of the OHSAA Board of Control from 1998-1999, was on the OHSAA Southwest Athletic District Board for 22 years, and was a OHSAA Foundation Lifetime Trustee. He was also inducted into the Butler County Hall of Fame and the Butler County Basketball Officials Hall of Fame. Butch was a member of Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus #1610.

Butch is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Swarcz) Rossi; ten children, John M. (Shari) Rossi of Middletown, Anne M. Rossi of Cincinnati, Teresa A. (Ralph) Steinmetz of Fairfield, Joseph R. Rossi of Middletown, Margaret S. (Thomas) Lanahan of Walpole, MA, Elizabeth D. Rossi of West Carrollton, Mary K. (Eric) Joseph of Middletown, Stephanie J. (Craig) Withrow of Middletown, Steven J. (Melissa) Rossi of Cincinnati, and Andrea L. Rossi of Columbus; and thirteen grandchildren, Jacob, David, Anthony, William, Joshua, Andrew, Corey, Jack, Molly, Patrick, Ava, Audrey, and Sammy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Molly Augspurger; and grandson, John Brady Rossi.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Parish - St. John's Church with Father John Civille as celebrant. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 14, 2005 from 3-8 pm at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. (at Bonita Dr.). Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to the Harkrader-Rossi Scholarship Fund, 4855 State Route 122, Franklin, OH 45005 - OR - John XXIII Scholarship Fund, 3806 Manchester Rd., Middletown, OH 45042 - OR - the Fenwick High School Athletic Complex Maintenance Fund, 4855 State Route 122, Franklin, OH 45005.

Funeral Home:
Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding
3805 Roosevelt Blvd.
Middletown, OH
US 45044