Donald Rossi

Donald Joseph Rossi, “Chicago Pizza Man,” 82, rests in the Lord’s presence. He passed away peacefully at home in Seneca, IL on May 9. He was predeceased by his parents Ebe (née Nunzi) Rossi and John Rossi; his brothers, John Rossi Jr. and Richard Rossi; and his son, Michael Mirkovich.

The second of six children, Don was born in Chicago on March 22, 1934. He attended St. John Bosco Grade School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary for one year, and Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL, from where he graduated in 1952. Don joined the labor force as an apprentice butcher. He started making pizzas during slow periods and selling them “out the back door.” They were a smash hit. The successful venture started an entrepreneurial fire in Don that burned brilliantly throughout his life. Don bought his own meat market when he was 22 years old and built his first pizza manufacturing plant two years later. Rossi Pizza, Inc. was one of Chicago’s very first frozen pizza companies, and Don’s fleet of two dozen red and white freezer trucks were delivering millions of pizzas throughout the Midwest well before his thirtieth birthday.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lynda (née Jump) Rossi of Seneca, IL; by eight children: Jay Rossi of Sandwich, IL; Joyce Bourden of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; Ted Rossi of Naperville, IL; Terri Booth of Biloxi, MS; Dan Rossi of Sheridan, IL; Don Rossi of Cortland, IL; Nick Rossi of Cortland, IL; Joe Rossi of Oakbrook Terrace, IL; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

We welcome all whose lives Don touched to join us to celebrate his memory at Osborne-Nelson Funeral Home, 135 E. Lincoln, Seneca on Friday, May 13 between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.