He was a hero to anyone who played sports in Fenwick and a legend to the community.
In 1995 he was inducted into the Ohio High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Here is a quote from Butch at his induction: "I always asked the Fenwick players to work and play hard, to be dedicated to being the best person they could be, both on and off the floor. I have a firm belief that the teaching of fundamentals is the most important aspect of coaching." John 'Butch' Rossi
Here is a link to the Ohio Coaches induction of Rossi:
http://www.ohiobkcoaches.com/HallofFame/HOF1995/johnrossi.html
The legend of John 'Butch' Rossi will never die. Our hearts go out to the Rossi Family, especially his oldest son JR who is a personal friend.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 3-8 p.m. at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, Middletown. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Middletown. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.
Memorials: Harkrader-Rossi Scholarship Fund or the Fenwick High School Athletic Complex Maintenance Fund (both 4855 State Route 122, Franklin, OH 45005); or John XXIII Scholarship Fund, 3806 Manchester Road, Middletown, OH 45042.
Other Sources:
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050913/SPT0301/509130389/-1/CINCI
http://www.daytondailynews.com/sports/content/sports/daily/0913rossi.html
http://www.middletownjournal.com/hp/content/news/stories/2005/09/12/mj0913rossiWEB.html