William S. "Willie" Rozzi

 United States

  • Date Of Birth: November 27, 1919
  • Date Of Death: February 15, 2018
  • State: Indiana

William S. “Willie” Rozzi, age 98, formerly of Logansport, passed away at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018, in the Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, South Bend.

The son of Antonio and Nunziata Ricci Rozzi, Willie was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1919, in Logansport, Indiana. On March 10, 1943, he was married to Patricia S Fulmer, who preceded him in death on November 9, 1991.

Willie was an individual characterized by his ethics, and he exemplified those principles throughout his life. He was firm in his faith and driven by his love and protection of family.  Seeing his children and grandchildren grow and achieve their life goals was his greatest happiness.

Willie was instrumental in the formation of the Woodlawn Center and served on its founding Board of Directors. He firmly believed that individuals with disabilities deserved opportunities for meaning in their lives. His daughter Susan, who preceded him in death, attended Woodlawn Center for many years.

Growing up in the Great Depression instilled in him a desire to work hard for long periods to support his family.  Selling fruit from a wagon at the age of ten in the beginning, he worked throughout his school years, then began a career in railroading right after high school.  He was an integral part of the transition from steam to diesel power in the local rail yards.

One of Willie’s fondest pastimes was fishing on the Wabash River, and this memory is of particular significance for his children. Willie later enjoyed many excursions with his sons, who shared his love of fishing. Beyond the excursions, though, is the proverb, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. Willie modeled this philosophy, and his life became the path that guided his children. While Willie saw many diverse and significant changes during his 98 years of life, his commitment to faith, family, and friends never changed.

A United States Army veteran of World War II, Willie was a life member of the American Legion Post 60.

Surviving are three children, James (Sue) Rozzi, Naples, FL, Kay (Charles Loeser) Antonelli, Granger, IN, William B. (Lora) Rozzi, Granger, IN. Daughters, Susan Jo Rozzi And Kathleen Rozzi preceded him in death.

Grandchildren are Stanley (Andrea) Antonelli, Andra (Michael) Cicero, Aaron (Rachel) Rozzi, Elena (Adam) Wack, and Roger (Renee) Rozzi.

Great Grandchildren are: Gabby and Tino Cicero and Sam and Anna Bowlby.

Willie was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Charles Rozzi, Infant Nicholas Rozzi, Mary Graf, Ann Ruther, Nicholas Rozzi, Florence Gibson, Bernard Rozzi, Virginia Buttice, Carl Rozzi, August Rozzi, Theresa Huff and Joseph Rozzi.

 

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