John Rossiter

Father John Francis Rossiter, age 77, of Topeka, died Sunday, June 27, 2010 at Midland Hospice House. He was born June 26, 1933 in Topeka, to George and Estelle (Finn) Rossiter. He attended Holy Name Grade School and in 1951 graduated from Hayden High School. Fr. Rossiter was very proud of having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Marquette University in 1952 and entered St. Thomas Seminary, Denver CO. In 1955 he went to North American College/Gregorian University Rome, Italy, S.T.L. , where Father was ordained December 20, 1958. In the summers of 1964-71 he attended graduate schools in Washington DC and St. Louis MO and earned his Masters Degree in Theology. In 1959-60 Father John was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish and taught at Ward High School, Kansas City KS; from 1960-62 he was assigned to The Old Cathedral and taught at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth; from 1962-72 he was assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Kansas City KS and he taught at Donnelly College, he also taught at St Joseph High School 1962-63. He was Pastor from 1973-77 at St Lawrence Catholic Campus Center KU; 1977-1986 St. Pius X Parish, Mission KS; 1986-2006 Assumption Parish; July 1, 2006 Fr. Rossiter retired in residence to Assumption Rectory. Fr. Rossiter was a proud grandson of Irish immigrants. He became well known to Topekans as the celebrant of the Mass at Assumption Catholic Church which officially opened the St. Patrick’s Day celebration. He was the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2006. His homilies and bulletins were known as much for their wit as for their substance. Father Rossiter was a man whose interests were many including travel, musical theatre, reading, especially mystery novels, food, jokes, his favorite sports teams Notre Dame, KC Chiefs and Royals, KU Jayhawks, Boston Celtics. There was a special place in his heart for Guest House and Alcoholics Anonymous. He provided space at the rectory for AA meetings. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kathleen Jacobs. He is survived by his sisters, Jeanne Renfro, Wichita; Maureen Lane and her husband, Jim, Topeka; 12 nieces and nephews. Fr. John Rossiter will lie in state Wednesday from 10 a.m. until a 7 p.m. Prayer Service at Mater Dei Assumption Church, where family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Fr. Rossiter requests memorial contributions be made to Mater Dei Parish for the purpose of the Sandwich Ministry and Midland Hospice.

John Rossiter

June 26, 1933 - June 27, 2010