William S. "Willie" Rozzi

William S. "Willie" Rozzi, age 98, formerly of Logansport, passed away at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018, in the Sanctuary of the Holy Cross, South Bend.

The son of Antonio and Nunziata Ricci Rozzi, Willie was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1919, in Logansport, Indiana. On March 10, 1943, he was married to Patricia S Fulmer, who preceded him in death on November 9, 1991.

Willie was an individual characterized by his ethics, and he exemplified those principles throughout his life. He was firm in his faith and driven by his love and protection of family.  Seeing his children and grandchildren grow and achieve their life goals was his greatest happiness.

Willie was instrumental in the formation of the Woodlawn Center and served on its founding Board of Directors. He firmly believed that individuals with disabilities deserved opportunities for meaning in their lives. His daughter Susan, who preceded him in death, attended Woodlawn Center for many years.

Growing up in the Great Depression instilled in him a desire to work hard for long periods to support his family.  Selling fruit from a wagon at the age of ten in the beginning, he worked throughout his school years, then began a career in railroading right after high school.  He was an integral part of the transition from steam to diesel power in the local rail yards.  Willie saw the Pennsylvania Railroad become Penn Central, then Conrail prior to his retirement after 40 years of service. In addition to his full-time railroad work, he partnered with his brother Auggie in a carpentry business, remodeling homes and building garages until he was nearly 70.

He remained very active during his retirement years as a dedicated volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, and he was awarded the Silver Beaver Award for his exceptional character and distinguished service within the Sagamore Council.

One of Willie’s fondest pastimes was fishing on the Wabash River, and this memory is of particular significance for his children. Willie later enjoyed many excursions with his sons, who shared his love of fishing. Beyond the excursions, though, is the proverb, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”. Willie modeled this philosophy, and his life became the path that guided his children. While Willie saw many diverse and significant changes during his 98 years of life, his commitment to faith, family, and friends never changed.

A United States Army veteran of World War II, Willie was a life member of the American Legion Post 60. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Willie was also a member of the William Paca Lodge.

Surviving are three children, James (Sue) Rozzi, Naples, FL, Kay (Charles Loeser) Antonelli, Granger, IN, William B. (Lora) Rozzi, Granger, IN. Daughters, Susan Jo Rozzi And Kathleen Rozzi preceded him in death.

Grandchildren are Stanley (Andrea) Antonelli, Andra (Michael) Cicero, Aaron (Rachel) Rozzi, Elena (Adam) Wack, and Roger (Renee) Rozzi.

Great Grandchildren are: Gabby and Tino Cicero and Sam and Anna Bowlby.

Willie was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Charles Rozzi, Infant Nicholas Rozzi, Mary Graf, Ann Ruther, Nicholas Rozzi, Florence Gibson, Bernard Rozzi, Virginia Buttice, Carl Rozzi, August Rozzi, Theresa Huff and Joseph Rozzi.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20th, at Kroeger Funeral Home, where the rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday with Fr. Dominic Petan officiating. The William Paca Lodge will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21st, at All Saints Catholic Church, with Father Dennis O’Keeffe officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be in the Mount Calvary section of Mount Hope Cemetery. Uniformed active members of the United States Army and the local Military Funeral Honor Guard will accord the honors.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Peak Community Services (Woodlawn Center), 1416 Woodlawn Avenue, Logansport, IN 46947. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Arrangements and care by Kroeger Funeral and Cremation Service.

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.

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