Walter Dei Rossi of Ripon passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 29, 2012 in the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, CA, due to kidney failure. He was born on August 18, 1927 to Vittorio and Oliva Dei Rossi, in Romano D’Ezzelino, Italy.
He came to America after World War II with his mother and brother Ivan. He met his wife Elizabeth “Bette” McPartland at a dance in San Francisco. They were married on April 16, 1950 in Oakland. During their 62 years of marriage, they lived in San Francisco, Oakland, San Carlos, and Ripon. In July of this year, Bette passed away. Walter was a larger than life personality who loved being with his family, cultivating grapes, growing vegetables, and traveling the world. He and Bette visited six continents and over 35 different countries. When he came to America he worked many jobs until he joined his brothers (Ivan and Andy) in running the “Gold Platter” restaurant in San Carlos, CA. He was a huge supporter of the 1962 World Champion San Carlos Babe Ruth All-Stars, loved preparing large meals for the Men’s group of St. Patrick’s Church in Ripon, and earned the title of Delicato Grape Stomp Senior Champion for ten years in a row (1989-1998).
Walter is survived by his brother Ivan Dei Rossi of Redwood City and his children Gary Dei Rossi and his wife Kathy of Manteca, David Dei Rossi and his wife Cindy of Campbell, and Cathy Anderson and her husband Art of Ripon. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kyle Dei
Rossi and his wife Erica of Stockton, Stuart Anderson and his wife Leslie of Visalia, Matthew Dei Rossi of Chico, Megan (Dei Rossi) Jagelka and her husband Eric of San Francisco, Kirsten (Anderson) Cornista and her husband Michael of Box Elder, South Dakota, Kelsey Dei Rossi of San Jose, Steven Dei Rossi of Austin, Texas, and great-grandson Tyler Dei Rossi of Chico. In addition, he has nine nieces and nephews whom he cared deeply for. All will miss his vibrant personality, patriotic ideals, and strong work ethic. A funeral mass will be held in his honor on October 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Carmel Church, in Redwood City 300 Fulton St., A private gravesite ceremony will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo overlooking Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the “The San Joaquin Farm Bureau Foundation.” The SJFB Foundation provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees and careers in agriculture. Donations can be sent to the SJFB Foundation, 3290 N. Ad Art Road, Stockton, CA 95215.
An online guest book is available for condolences at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com (Search Obituaries).
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Saturday, October 6, 2012
