Raymond Rossi

Father Raymond Rossi, 85, of Hot Springs, formally a native of Center Ridge, Arkansas died in Hot Springs on August 14th after a lengthy illness. He was born in Center Ridge on April 30, 1931, the son of the late Frank and Mary Rossi. He was educated at St. Joseph's School, Center Ridge, and graduated from Little Rock Catholic High before entering St. John's Seminary in Little Rock. He was ordained to the Catholic Priesthood on May 15, 1958 in the Cathedral of Saint Andrew, Little Rock. Upon ordination he was assigned as assistant pastor, St. Edward's Church, Texarkana, and then to the faculty of Catholic High School for Boys, where he taught Latin and religion for 20 years. He spent his summer breaks earning a Master's degree in classical languages from the University of Notre Dame. During his years at Catholic High he served as Chaplain to Our Lady's Convent, Little Rock, Holy Cross Mission, Sheridan, and later St. Joseph's Orphanage, North Little Rock. He also was assigned "in residence" at St. Mary's Church, North Little Rock, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Little Rock, and finally St. Patrick's, North Little Rock before being named pastor of St. Elizabeth's Church, Eureka Springs in 1979. He remained at Eureka Springs until being appointed pastor of St. Peter the Fisherman, Mountain Home, and the Mission at Yellville. In 1990 Father Rossi was named pastor of St. John's, Hot Springs, and six years later, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Hot Springs Village, where he remained until his retirement in 2002. Father Ray will long be remembered as a good, steady, and faithful priest. He was a kind and gentle servant, and will be missed by his family and those he served. He is survived by one sister, Gloria Rossi DeSalvo of Hot Springs, one brother, Marion (Betty) Rossi of Center Ridge, and one sister-in-law, Jean Rossi of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition to his parents, Father Raymond was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward Rossi and Charles Rossi, and two sisters, Louise Crews and Lucille Conway. The family extends a special thank you to his dedicated and faithful caregivers, Sally Miller, Benita Pearce and Virginia Leach. A rosary service will be prayed at St. Joseph Church, Center Ridge, on Wednesday, August 17, at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated at St. Joseph on Thursday, August 18 at 10 a.m. with burial at the Church cemetery. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.