Russell Rossi passed away November 6, 2009, in Fresno at the age of 63. He attended St. Mary School and graduated from Gilroy High in 1964. He attended Hartnell College and graduated from San Jose City College in 1971 as a journeyman machinist. He worked for Teledyne for 13 years, Syngenta for 17 years and the City of Fresno for the past 5 years.
A Gilroy resident for most of his life, he was actively involved in Gilroy Blazers, Little League, Gilroy FFA and FFA Boosters, Adams 4-H club and the Santa Clara County Fair Sheep Committee, as well as being a member of The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 39.
Russell and his family operated Rossi Ranch Club Lambs for many years. They bred many champion lambs for 4-H and FFA members throughout the state of California and helped numerous young members learn about livestock and life. He also raised Hampshire, Dorset, and Suffolk sheep, which were sold throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kathie of Madera, children Kristina and her husband Gervasio Minoza of Gilroy and Michael Rossi and his wife Jennifer of Lemoore, grandchildren Brandon and Benjamin Rossi and Mikaela Minoza, mother in law Marie Skov and brother in law Charles Skov, Jr. of Watsonville. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A visitation will begin from 1:00 P.M. Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, with a Vigil service at 7:00 P.M. both at Habing Family Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be said 12 noon Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial to follow.
In lieu of flowers, a trust has been established for his grandchildren made payable through Habing Family Funeral Home.
