Raymond Rossi

(From Shields Funeral Chapel)

Raymond E. Rossi, 80, of Oglesby, died at 9:00pm, July 3, 2025, in OSF St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Peru.

Visitation will be 5:00pm - 7:00pm Tues. July 8, 2025 in the Shields Funeral Chapel, Oglesby. The Oglesby American Legion will do a walk- through at 5 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00am, Wed., July 9, 2025 in Holy Family Church, Oglesby. The Rev. Jeff Windy will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Utica. Full military honors will be conducted by the LaSalle-Oglesby Veteran's Memorial Group.

Ray was born on August 24, 1944 in Neosho, MO to Joseph and Dora Rossi. He married Mary Lou Sweetland on Oct. 19, 1968 in St. Mary's Church, Utica.

Ray served in the United States Air Force for four years as an aircraft mechanic. During this time, he was stationed in Fairbanks, AK, a memory he held fondly and shared often. Beginning in the early 70's, Ray began working for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) as a lead landscaping worker. He worked for IDOT for 43 years and had a much deserved retirement in 2012. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, eating apple fritters, going to breakfast with his best friend, Sugar, and making his signature Papa's Bagels and Coffee.

Ray was an avid fishermen and loved the outdoors. He took annual fishing trips with his best pals in Wisconsin well into his later years of life, always refusing to eat the fish. He also loved playing cards, including Go-Fish, War, and Solitaire. Ray had a sharp and witty mind, finishing a crossword puzzle book in one sitting. Throughout his life, he was passionately devoted to his wife, Mary Lou "Noni," spending countless hours ensuring she was always well taken care of, happy, and loved beyond measures.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Oglesby, two sons, Todd Rossi of Oglesby and Jonathan (Carrie) Rossi of Granville, three daughters, Jennifer Smith of Ottawa, Gina (Troy) Romagnoli of Princeton, and LeighAnne (Alan) Thompson of Oglesby. He had eleven grandchildren: Hannah (Ryan), Kiki, Mackinzy (Kcaleb), Mollee, Dylan (Cody), Izabella, Elijah, Ellie, Troy, Lucas and Tonie. He also had three great grandchildren: Roman Ray, Malakai, and Daniella. Ray was survived by his loving dog companion, Bear Ray.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe Rossi and Bruce Rossi in infancy, as well as his uncle Raymond "Emmel" Rossi.