Edwin Richard Rossini

Edwin Richard Rossini passed away at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints on Monday, February 25, 2013 with his family present.

Ed was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 29, 1938, to Mario and Alva (nee Testaguzzi) Rossini. He attended St. Mel’s High School in Chicago. After high school, he earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University in 1960 and was a member of Triangle fraternity. He married Bernice (Bunny) McNamara at St. Jude the Apostle in Wauwatosa, WI, on August 19, 1961. Ed then attained his law degree from Marquette University in 1964; he was Assistant Editor of the Law Review and Vice President of the Student Bar. Ed also earned an Executive MBA from Cornell University.

After practicing patent law and general law in Milwaukee, Ed was hired by S.C. Johnson in 1968. He always considered it one of the luckiest days of his life to be hired to work at the “wax company,” as he called it. Ed retired from Johnson in 2000 as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel.

Upon retirement, Ed moved to Naples, Florida, where he actively volunteered in his community of Pelican Bay. He loved his new life in Naples golfing, walking on the beach and spending time with new friends and old friends.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Bunny; children, John Rossini, Jennifer (Paul) Jansen, Elizabeth (Michael) Rutherford, Michael Rossini, James (Amy) Rossini; and grandchildren Erin Rossini, Zach, Jack and Will Jansen, Will and Kelly Rutherford, Ryan and Katelyn Rossini; sisters-in-law, Mary Purtell and Anne McNamara; brothers-in-law, James McNamara, M.D. and Father Dennis McNamara, S.J. Beloved nieces and nephews also survive Ed. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Alva Rossini; his sister, Marlene; and brother-in-law, Robert F. Purtell, Jr., M.D.

The visitation will be Friday, March 1, at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., Racine, WI 53404 followed by a Memorial Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Marquette University, 1250 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233 c/o the Engineering or Law School or to the Healthcare Network, 904 State St., Racine, WI 53404.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Mark Choi and the entire staff of the Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Center for their years of sensitive care always given to Ed. Their deep compassion was often sprinkled with humor that immensely lightened Ed’s burden. We are eternally grateful.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888