Obituary of Terry Rossi

March 22, 1947 – San Leonardo, Italy

March 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Teorino “Terry” Rossi, beloved husband of Heather and father to Mark, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the age of 76 years.

Terry was born in San Leonardo, Italy, on March 22, 1947. He was seven years old when together with his mom Luisa and his sisters Ada and Giselda, left the Port of Naples on January 20, 1955, on board The SS Independence. He was on his way to Canada to be reunited with his dad Antonio, older sister Maria, and his brother Domenico.

He landed at Pier 21 in Halifax on January 31, 1955, and took the train to Fernie, BC. In August 1956, the family moved to Calgary and lived in the community of Bridgeland. He attended St. Angela School and was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

Terry accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of his family. As a young man, Terry’s passion was drumming. In the early 1960s, Terry was the drummer for The Echotones. Later, during the hippy era, he drummed for The Group 5.

Although music was his first love, Terry recognized the need for a roof over his head and to put food on the table. He got his welding ticket and eventually retired in a Senior Inspector role with Jacobs Engineering.

Terry was enthusiastic as he continued to master his cooking skills. We often teased him about opening up a restaurant. One of his favourite dishes to make was Italian sausage and rapini.

Above anything else, Terry loved spending his summer days relaxing at his 'Villa San Leonardo' in Jaffray, BC, and golfing at his favourite St. Eugene Golf Course in Cranbrook.

Terry is survived by his wife Heather, son Mark (Carolyn), brother Domenico Rossi (Ellen), and his sisters, Ada Angelozzi, (Armando) and Giselle Gerlitz (Reg), all of Calgary. In addition, he is survived by many special extended family members, and many golfing buddies, especially his dear friend Ray.

Terry was predeceased by his dad Antonio in 2004, mom Luisa in 2007, his sister Maria in 2016, and his niece Eda in 1978.  

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church (2424 – 24th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:45 a.m.

Heather and Mark would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff in the Foothills Hospital ICU Department and Unit 112 for their continued support, compassion, and loving touch for Terry.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Terry’s family here.

In living memory of Teorino Rossi, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.