Obituary of Steve Rossi

Steve Rossi was half of the world famous comedy team, "Allen and Rossi". At the age of 6, he appeared in "Going My Way" with Bing Crosby, "The Jolson Story" and over 30 movies. At 16, Steve received a scholarship to The University of Loyola Marymount in Los Angeles and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Arts and Theater and in Latin and Greek. In 1954 Steve co-starred with Mae West in her sold out concerts all over America. Later, Steve served in the United States Air Force both in the reserve unit at Loyola Marymount University and on active duty at Parks Air Force base, where he served as a personnel officer. He was discharged from the service in May 1957 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Throughout his career, active duty military were always given free admission to his shows. Steve Rossi teamed up with Marty Allen in 1957 and they became America's #1 comedy team. They appeared on over 700 television shows including 44 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show", three of which were with the Beatles in 1964. Other shows he guest starred on were Perry Como, Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, Merv Griffin, Mike Douglas and "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson". Allen and Rossi were also regular guests stars on "What's My Line", "Hollywood Squares"," Password" and numerous other game shows. They starred in several Paramount films, notably "The Last of the Secret Agents" with Nancy Sinatra and Ed Sullivan as guest stars. The film is shown worldwide and has been the movie of the week on Showtime, HBO, Cinemax and 11 appearances (a record) on American Movie Classics. Steve Rossi produced and starred in "The 25th Anniversary Allen and Rossi Special" with special guest stars Engelbert Humperdinck, Jerry Lewis, Sammy Davis Jr., Don Rickles, Phyllis Diller, Redd Foxx, Martin Sheen, Ernie Borgnine, Rich Little, Jack Jones and Tony Orlando. Steve has produced eleven comedy albums and eight singing albums on such labels as RCA and Columbia. Steve sold 2 million copies of his hit record "More", which was nominated for an Academy Award. On May 20th 1999, Steve Rossi was inducted into the Show Business Legends Hall of Fame at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. In 1999, Steve celebrated his 50th year in show business. Steve continued to work up until his death on June 22, 2014. He enjoyed writing with his friend Rich Little and stopping by Pia's Place inside Piero's Restaurant to belt out a few tunes. He was proud to make Las Vegas his home. No other place in the world could he be surrounded by so many lovely, talented people who cared for him in his sunset years. In his later years, Steve continued to enjoy attending performances throughout Las Vegas. During the last year of his life he performed at charity benefits and continued to write every single day. We will remember Steve for the bold, beautiful life he enjoyed on this earth. At the end of his life he was diagnosed with cancer, which had spread to several areas of his body. Due to his age and weakened condition there were no treatment options available. Steve reached the brave decision with the support of his wife, family, and friends to enter hospice care. He lived only 10 days after his diagnosis. Steve's family would like to thank Infinity Hospice Care of Nevada for their tremendous support during this difficult and confusing time. At the end of his life, he had the blessing of time to say goodbye to those he loved and we had the gift of knowing how much we are loved. A visitation will take place from 1:00-1:45 PM, with shared memories from a few friends and family members; followed by a funeral Mass at 2:00 pm on Friday, June 27, 2014, both at St. Joseph Husband of Mary Catholic Church, 7260 W Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV. Burial will immediately follow at Palm Mortuary & Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas. Arrangements were entrusted to Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services.