Anthony Joseph Rosser

Tony had an aura of sweetness and love his entire life and shared his fun and loving spirit far and wide. Although Tony was born with Down Syndrome, his disability didn’t slow him down from living a full and happy life, working and touching the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him.  Tony loved and was so loved by his family, friends, and community.  When family and friends would gather to celebrate a holiday or event at the old Oil City Road homestead, Tony could hardly contain his joy.  Tony especially loved spending time with the nieces and nephews; he so loved each of them.  He had a special affinity for babies, his godchildren, Natasha Sukolsky and Kevin Murray, and the mock Worldwide Wrestling Franchise matches between relatives held in his living room.

Tony was methodical, paid attention to detail and had a great memory.  Many of us remember how he carried his pockets full of “stuff” – always same place, always same stuff.  These attributes, along with being a hard worker, made him effective in his “piecework” at Westgate Center and then, Woodlands in Cassopolis.  Later, for many years, he worked on the packaging line at Peterson Springs in Three Rivers, Michigan, receiving many employee recognition awards and gift cards which he proudly showed to family and friends.

Tony would sometimes grace us with his entertainment, one of the favorites, his impression of President Nixon.  He loved music and choosing the next radio station as he rode shotgun.  He later learned to play the drums and upon request gladly performed.  Tony, a #1 Fan of Notre Dame football, cheered at N.D. games he attended with his sister, Mary Murray, or at home in front of the television.

Tony touched many lives.  Many knew Tony as the cross bearer at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Cassopolis, leading the procession at the beginning and end of Mass.  Tony, a man of few words, was wise and his words held weight.  Short phrases he would aptly use such as, “It’s your choice,” “Come on!”, “You’re cuckoo,” “Go to bed if you’re tired” are what we call “Tonyisms”.  These phrases continue to be used and are heard whenever you are with someone who was touched by Tony.

Tony caught the travel bug in his early 20s.  He loved to visit family and see new things.  The truth is family loved Tony to visit, always bringing love and happiness with him.  His first solo trip was to Idaho to visit “Honey,” (Ellen and Marc Sukolsky).  The next year Tony began the annual tradition of spending the summer with the Fairbanks Alaska Rossers, (“Brother Mark,” Mikki and family).  Tony also traveled extensively with his mainstay, “Brother Joe,” visiting family in Michigan, Florida, Illinois, and Virginia, among other shorter trips.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Isabelle Rosser of Cassopolis and his brother, Mark Rosser of Fairbanks, Alaska.  Tony is survived by his sister-in-law, Mikki Rosser of Fairbanks, Alaska and his siblings and brother-in-laws, Mary Murray of St. Joseph, Michigan, Kathy (Larry) Harper of Urbana, Illinois, Ellen (Marc) Sukolsky of Sequim, Washington, Julie (Gary) Thompson of Grass Lake, Michigan, Joe Rosser of Niles, Michigan, Maureen Rosser of Port St. Lucie, Florida and his much-loved nieces and nephews.  So much happiness given and received over so many years.  Tony you will be dearly missed and always remembered.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.  A Rosary will be recited by the Daughters of St. Ann Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 421 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Tony be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.