Angelo P. Rossi, 80, of Prairie Village, KS, passed away on July 4, 2015, from a very courageous battle with lung cancer at the St. Luke's Hospice House. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at St. Ann's Church, 7231 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Friends may call from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Wednesday prior to Mass at the church. Entombment will follow Mass at Mount Olivet Mausoleum.

Angelo was born October 27, 1934, in the small, charming town of Bagni di Lucca, Italy to Agricola and Carmelinda (Cerchi) Rossi. He came to the United States in 1952 where he joined his father and brother, Loriano, in the family business, Kansas City Art Statuary. His mother and sister, Lia Biscari, later joined the family in 1955. Through their diligent work ethic, integrity, charismatic personalities and brilliant vision, Angelo and Loriano grew the business to become one of the premier statuary companies supplying the entire Midwest. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1957-1961. While in the army, he was stationed in Germany which allowed him to easily visit the "old country." It was during his military leave that he reconnected with Giorgetta (Loretta) Danesi back in his hometown. They maintained a long distance relationship writing letters back and forth from Italy to the United States until they were married in 1962. They made a home in Kansas City raising two daughters, Kathy Shapiro and Lisa Stillman. Angelo was very proud of his Italian heritage and treasured his travels back to his birthplace and the family home every summer to visit the many close relatives still living there today. He was passionate about anything Italian; the art, the food, the wine, the fashion, the cars, the sports and the opera. They loved to travel and took numerous cruises and vacations all over the world. Angelo loved life and was constantly on the go, seeing, doing and experiencing all that he could. He loved talking to people, learning about them and listening to their stories while sharing his own. He knew no stranger. He enjoyed spending relaxing time at their home at Lake Lotawana, working out with close friends at Woodside Health Club, playing tennis and golf with his buddies and playing bocce with his Italian friends at the American Sons of Columbus. He particularly loved spending time and traveling with his family, especially his grandkids. The family reunion to Italy and the 50th wedding anniversary cruise with all his kids and grandkids were especially memorable and brought immense joy to him. Angelo was an active member of St. Ann's parish for 44 years. Angelo was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be forever missed.

Angelo was preceded in death by his parents, Agricola and Carmelinda Rossi, brother Loriano Rossi, and brother-in-law Danilo Danesi. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Giorgetta (Loretta) Rossi; daughters and sons-in-law Kathy & Steven Shapiro, Lisa & Scott Stillman; grandchildren Morgan & Jacklin Shapiro, Nick & Chris Stillman; sister Lia Biscari; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Iris Rossi, Rita Danesi, Luisa & Renzo Danesi; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family suggests contributions to the St. Luke's Hospice House, 3516 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64111; or a charity of one's choice.

Pallbearers: Bob Biscari, Alex Biscari, David Biscari, Bruce Ecton, John Guarino, Flavio Miglia, Jorge C. Paradelo MD, and Jerry Shapiro.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.