Cover photo for William "Bill" Rossi's Obituary
William "Bill" Rossi Profile Photo
1931 William 2020

William "Bill" Rossi

April 29, 1931 — November 12, 2020

William “Bill” Leonard Rossi,

Restauranteur/Caterer

Bill, 89 +197 days old, of WheatRidge CO, passed away November 12, 2020.

He was born to, Angelo L. Rossi and Antoinette Rossi, in Denver on April 29,1931.

His school years were spent at Assumption Catholic School, graduating, in 1948, with a class of 9 others.

He went on to Regis University, until he was drafted, into the US ARMY, in 1951, for service in the Korean War. During his 8 weeks of “Basic”, he finished his college education.

His ship landed the same day the treaty was signed and he was sent to work for the Adjutant General in Seoul Korea. He enjoyed his position, as he was treated to all the perks, the General received---AND,---- kept his buddies supplied with daily fresh pastries (ALWAYS FEEDING SOMEONE)!

He advanced to Sargent, then returned home, in 1953.

He married Barbara Joan Giambrocco, April 17, 1955. Together they had three children.

He helped his father at Snowy Range Seed and Hardware. His weekdays were spent working at the “Seed Store.” On weekends he would go to the Denargo Market, with his Dad, at 4:30 a.m. where all the surrounding farmers sold, bought, and shipped their produce.

There, also, was a restaurant in the “Market”, The Denargo Grill.

Bill would leave the produce docks, and go to the “Grill”, where he would wait tables , pour coffee, and generally made himself at home. Unbeknownst to Bill, his Father was negotiating to buy the restaurant, for him.

On May 5, 1958, the same day his first son, Steven was born, the purchase was made, and ROSSI’S DENARGO GRILL, came to fruition. He was proud and over time, the dept was repaid.

Bill’s biggest blessings were all the family (Mother, Aunts, Uncles, Wives, children, in-laws, cousins, friends, etc.), too many to name, that helped in every aspect of the business.

Farmers and Union Pacific Employees fueled the morning business. The word got around Denver and at lunch you would find Law enforcement, Mayors, Judges, dock workers businessmen, and more, mixed together, all enjoying Rossi’s Denargo Grill’s fair.

Bill added, to the monthly schedule, ROSSI’S ITALIAN SMORGASBORD, on the first and third Saturday, of the month. A food critic, with the Rocky Mountain News, wrote an article, about the “Grills” extensive, VERY reasonable, and delicious buffet Soon, more of Denver’s list of “well-to-do’ers”,  started frequenting the restaurant. One Saturday, MR. NEUSTETER of NEUSTETERS COMPANY, asked Bill if he would prepare Thanksgiving Dinner, at their home---thus the beginning of Rossi’s Catering.

After years of laughs, the “regulars”, wonderful relationships, great food, family recipes and efforts, families “2 CENTS”, love, sharing, lifetimes, colorful fabulous memories, of the Denargo Market and Rossi’s Denargo Grill, Bill sold “the Grill” in 1975, moving to all catering operations to 4300 Brighton Blvd.

Over the years, Bill opened many restaurants and catered thousands of events, of all sizes and purpose, at a countless number of event locations, including  synagogues, churches, private homes, parks, golf courses, and uncountable Event Centers, including his own, on Brighton Blvd.

Of late, until COVID-19, ended 62.5 years of life’s work, he enjoyed running his kitchen, the comradery of the wonder friendships he developed, and sharing his knowledge, wit and stories, with the great people at Rocky Mtn. Commissary.

Nothing made him happier than to feed people and make them happy.

Bill married, and spent 29 years with Marlys (Holley), and her 5 children. Her youngest Rob Holley and Bill have stayed close. Until her passing, either he or the two of them participated in Several Clubs and Organizations. They were both, very, involved with The International Footprinters Association. Over time, he went from being, just, their Caterer, to the Denver Grand President.

He also enjoyed memberships in The International Order of Rocky Mtn. Goats, catered the clubs yearly, 3 day event, for many years, south of Salida—ON TOP OF A BIG MOUNTIAN!?! Every third Wednesday was his beloved The St. Michaels Society. Members of which he has know and loved, for a VERY LONG TIME. Then, there was THEE  O’l Farts Club----UUUUMMMMM?????

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his infant sister (Betty Ann), his sister Gloria Foster (Bill-deceased, survived by Fran), and his brother Donald (MaryAnn-remarried to Tom Moen). He was also preceded by Barbara, his first wife; Marlys, his second wife; and, numerous other beloved family, and friends.

He is survived by his children, and their families. Daughter, Roxann Rossi (Jimmy Sykora)-Arvada,  Sons, Steven L. Rossi-Georgia, and Dean C. Rossi (Janis)-Lakewood. Grandchildren Bianca Rossi, Gianna Rossi, and Christopher (Misty Michelle) Rossi (Christopher’s Mother, Dawn (Ken Jones)-Georgia, and brothers Austin-Florida, and Dillon (Tanner)-Georgia). Great-Grandchildren, Kingston Rossi, Violet Rossi-Georgia, Harper Drummond-Ohio. Also, numerous BELOVED nieces, nephews, and their families.

LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST, Bill loved and had some close, beautiful friendships, that meant the WORLD to him! To those people---and you know who  you are, WE ARE GRATEFUL! ----Bill’s Children!

Unfortunately, due to current public health concerns, a private service will be held for Bill at this time. The family hopes to celebrate his life with friends and family once it is safe to gather again.

All are invited to share memories of Bill & messages to his family by visiting the Tribute Wall.  If you wish to make contact with Bill’s family, please feel free to leave your contact information in your Tribute Wall entry or contact Horan & McConaty to have your contact information given to the family.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

And I’m Not There To See

If The Sun Should Rise –And Find Your Eyes

All Filled With Tears For Me

I Wish So Much You Wouldn’t Cry

The Way You Did Today

While Thinking Of The Many Things

We Did Not Get To Say

I Know How Much You Love Me

As Much As I Love You

And Each Time That You Think Of Me

I Know You’ll Miss Me Too

But When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

Please Try To Understand

That An Angel Came And Called My Name

And Took Me By The Hand

And Said My Place Was Ready

In Heaven Far Above

And That I’d Have To Leave Behind

All Those I Dearly Loved.

But When I Walked Through Heaven’s Gates

I Felt So Much At Home

When God Looked Down And Smiled At Me

From His Great Golden Throne

He Said, “This Is Eternity,

And All I Promise You.

Today Your Life On Earth Is Past

But Here Life Starts Anew.”

So When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

Don’t Think We’re Far Apart

For Every Time You Think Of Me

I’m Right Here, In Your Heart.

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