ASHTABULA — Robert Allen Rossetti, 58, of West 11th Street, died Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008, at University Hospitals of Cleveland, after a short and courageous battle with ALS.

Born Jan. 14, 1950, in Painesville, he was the son of Anthony S. and Gladys I. (Crowle) Rossetti and had been an Ashtabula resident most of his life, living in Hawaii from 1973 to 1975.

A Veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Vietnam War as an Infantry Forward Observer and received numerous decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 DEV, Army Commendation Medal, O/S Service Bars (3), Meritorious Service Citation, First Oakleaf Cluster and the Republic of Vietnam Commendation Medal. He enlisted Aug. 9, 1969 and was discharged from the Army Reserve on Sept. 15, 1975 with the rank of Buck Sergeant. He worked at RMI before the plant closed and later retired from Morton Salt after numerous years of service.

He was a member of the E.A.C., and the American Legion, and enjoyed playing in the EAC Bocce League, hunting, fishing and traveling. Those who knew him recognized his meticulous nature and love of animals, especially his dog, “Chico”.

His survivors include his wife, Karen L. (Kunes) Rossetti, whom he married March 4, 2000; one son, Bobby Rossetti of Cleveland; his step-daughter, Anita Bailey of Ashtabula; his mother, Gladys Rossetti-Grippi of Ashtabula; four sisters, Cindi (Pat “Boongie”) DiAngelo, Sue (Frank) Taylor, Sandra (Jack) Rosario, and Debbie (Donnie) Lines, all of Ashtabula; and three brothers, Fred (Mariann) Rossetti of Ashtabula, Richard (Chris) Rossetti of Florida, and David (Pat) Danker of Toledo.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Anthony Rossetti, Jr. and John Rossetti; one sister, Judy Martin; and his father.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7th, at the ZABACK-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 W. Prospect Road, Ashtabula. A Service will follow at 7 p.m., with Deacon Rich Johnson presiding and full military honors being conducted.

Contributions may be made to the family.

www.ducro.com and starbeacon.com.