Dino Rossi

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Dino Rossi ("Papi" or “Papi Dino”), who left this world at the age of 99 on January 5, 2025.

Dino was born in the tiny village of Canicossa, Italy, where his father crafted the renowned Grana Padano cheese, a local treasure of their region. His life was shaped early by the loss of his father after World War II, prompting him, his mother, and his brother to move to Brazil. There, he met the love of his life, Maria, who had also resettled in Brazil with her family from Hungary after the war. Together, they built a life rich in love and resilience, welcoming their two children, Stephen and Marika, before pursuing their dreams in the United States in 1964.

A man of steady resolve and tireless dedication, Dino worked long hours to provide for his family while staying deeply connected to his Italian roots. He brought the warmth of Italy into their lives through his love of opera, his appreciation of great Italian food, and his enduring pride in his Mantovano roots, the region of his birthplace.

After retiring from his career as an electrical engineer, Dino and Maria moved to Northport, Florida, where his industrious spirit led him to start a small business repairing TVs and computers.

Dino had a quiet way about him. But he had a quick wit and a wry sense of humor that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was gifted in all things electrical and electronic. Over nearly a century, Dino witnessed incredible transformations in the world and in his life. Highly intelligent, he mastered many languages, including Latin, Italian, Portuguese, English, his cherished Mantovano dialect, and even bits of Hungarian and Spanish, often delighting others with his words of wisdom and memorable lines.

Later in life, Dino and Maria returned to the Cleveland area to be close to their children. Even as Maria’s illness confined her to assisted living, Dino’s steadfast devotion to her was evident in his daily visits to see her.

After Maria’s passing, Dino moved in with his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Rosa. As time passed, and his needs evolved with age, Dino went from being Stephen’s father and Rosa’s father-in-law to becoming like a father to Rosa. And ultimately, Stephen and Rosa found themselves caring for Dino as though he were their own child. They embraced his special needs with patience, compassion, and dedication, creating a home where Dino remained a cherished fixture and constant source of love and joy. Together, they traveled across the U.S. and abroad, enjoying their time together. Dino's presence brought warmth and happy memories to every moment they shared.

Dino was a man of integrity, perseverance, and quiet strength. His wisdom, humor, and unwavering love for his family made him an extraordinary figure in our lives. He was, and always will be, loved, remembered, and deeply missed.

“Te Amo Dino, from here to the Moon and back.” (Rosa)

Dino is survived by his children: Stephen (and wife, Rosa); Marika (and husband, James); and his grandchildren: Stephen, Michael, James (and wife, Laura), and Robert.

The family will receive friends at Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, on Friday, January 17 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.  Funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Assumption, 9183 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights on Saturday, January 18 at 11:00 am.  Burial will take place at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, 868 Ream Road, Rockwood, Pennsylvania.

Bollinger Funeral Services is honored to be assisting the family at this time.