Gary M. Rossiter passed away peacefully, with family by his side on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the age of 73. He was the beloved husband of 15 years to Denise Rossiter; a cherished father to Larry Baumgarten, Felicia (Rob) Rossiter, Paul Rossiter, Alex (Ellen) Rossiter, and Max Rossiter; and a beloved grandfather to Jordan, Nick, Kalson, Taylor, Abby, Alena and Brynn. Gary was also a treasured brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle, nephew and friend to many. He dearly loved “TJ”, his faithful, furry, Shih Tzu companion.
Gary was a dear son of the late Larry and Ethel Rossiter and stepson of the late Don Ewoldt. Gary was preceded in death by his cherished son, Donald Rossiter.
Gary was born and raised in Stockton, California. He attended Linden High School, where he played football, baseball, earned the title of state debate champion, was student body president, a trombone player in the pep band and participated in school plays. One of his most memorable high school memories was playing “Albert” in Bye, Bye Birdie. Gary was the first student from Linden to participate in their foreign exchange student program (American Field Service), where he spent a summer with a family in Peru.
After high school, Gary studied pre-dental at University of Pacific. While he was attending UOP, he started working in the moving industry to help pay for school. Much to his parent’s chagrin, that would ultimately lead to a career with United Van Lines, spanning almost 50 years. Over those years he was a helper, packer, dispatcher, manager, coast to coast van operator and ultimately, owner and shareholder of Rossiter Relocation Services in Livermore, California. Gary eventually retired in 2017.
Gary was larger than life, and he lived life to the fullest. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as his numerous dear friends. He enjoyed watching college and professional football, professional baseball, telling jokes, traveling, cruising, cooking elaborate meals and doing everything he could to make those around him happy. He was a kind, loving, loyal, generous man, with an infectious laugh.
In September of 2020, he and Denise moved to Raintree Plantation in Hillsboro, Missouri. Gary immediately embraced and loved lake life. He also thoroughly enjoyed hunting and spending time with his dear brothers-in-law, family and friends on his farm in Richwoods, Missouri.
Gary will be tremendously missed by all of those who were blessed to have known him.
Visitation for Gary will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO, on Friday, February 9th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and Saturday, February 10th from 8:00 am to 9:00 am, followed by a procession to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 703 3rd Street, Hillsboro, MO, where the funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am.
A celebration of life will be held on a date yet to be determined in California.
Gary’s remains will be cremated, and eventually interred at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville, MO.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)
Beautiful obituary. To our family and friends, this hole is so deep its never going to be filled. The most I feel that can be done is remember and honor him along with Donald. We miss you so very much and we will see you both again. We love you more than you know.
Gary was such a fun happy and caring man. We enjoyed many wonderful times together. Thankful for all those times and the delightful memories 🙏.
We are saddened to hear the passing of Gary. We are miles apart but always felt we were very close. I’m glad we got a chance to meet you both. We share in your sorrow.
Robert & Aida
We are saddened by the sudden passing of Uncle Gary. Our Condolences, Love, and Prayers are with Denise and family. Although we didn’t spend much time or see Uncle Gary, the times I do remember him always laughing and smiling and sharing stories.
He will be truly missed.
Denise,
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. I received a text from the funeral home and I was shocked to hear of his passing. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Fondly, Wendy George
Gary was a great man in my eyes , loved every moment I spend at the office in livermore , Ca . I have so many memories of being around him and the drivers that stayed at agent 786 . He always treated us kindly and would do anything to help make us as drivers feel at home even though we were thousands of miles away from home. RIP Gary .. funny thing they thought my name was bulldog cause they had never heard any other name for me. That’s for all the great times and memories I’ll have .
Gary, was one of my oldest Friends. We attended Linden High School together, and ran with the same crowd. We had many moments of Life growing up. Very smart, very kind soul. Shared many events in later years. The Alan Hansen annual Picnic was our latest group event, in Linden. Melinda & I Loved his humor. Denise was always a Lovely Companion for this man, who was bigger than life. Denise; The 15 years together are not lost, but a Happy Memory. Think not that he has passed, but cherish the Time you were together. The Bible is not perfectly clear as to the nature of the human soul. But from studying the way the word soul is used in Scripture, we can come to some conclusions. Simply stated, the human soul is the part of a person that is not physical. It is the part of every human being that lasts eternally after the body experiences death. Rest in Peace Gary, I was Honored to call you My Friend….Bob
Gary always called me a name I hated thanks to my mother spilling that family secret the first time we meet him it’s like she had known that he was the perfect man for Denise. I was heart broken to hear that my favorite* uncle Gary had passed but will rest peaceful that he is finally going to meet his father in law in heaven and get to see his son once again.
*He is my only great uncle named Gary
Gary was bigger than life. He made every day matter. He loved much and was generous to a fault caring about everyone.
He and Denise created the the perfect life. God has him in His world now. He’ll be there waiting for all he loved as we too go home. A star is gone…but the trail remains! God be with you Denise and all who loved him.
Gary always had a great way of greeting you…”what’s going on?”….”well how you doing?” He had a wry smile on his face chewing his gum. He was always up on the latest news and could keep a conversation lively. We golfed in many tournaments together. We tailgated at 49er games, rain or shine, good seasons and bad. He had a great passion for life and a huge love for you Denise. You took great care of him the moment you stepped into his life. My greatest memory is simply getting that big laugh out of him and he would finish and say ” well alright”. Rest in peace big guy.
Such a great man. Gary had an incredible, talent for making those around him want to be better people while also helping to put a genuine smile on their faces.
It’s probably a funny thing to remember (please keep in mind Gary always had a unique ability to draw out funny stories from people) but I still vividly remember the absolute best tri tip sandwich I’ve ever had in my life being a homemade one from Gary for a 49ers tailgate. For years I’ve tried to imitate, but never been able to replicate, those amazing sandwiches Gary crafted. I also remember after that 49ers game being schooled by Gary in the art of transportation logistics at the old Candlestick Park and how strategically parking in the first lot you could exit the opposite direction of everybody else and easily save yourself an hour of parking lot madness post game. That extra hour also really made a difference in making sure you could beat everybody else to the Old Clam House to toast post game snd laugh yourself silly listening to Gary’s jokes and stories around the table.
I feel blessed to have had the privilege of knowing Gary and am keeping his family in thought and prayer during this difficult time of loss. Rest in peace Gary.
Denise
I just read of Gary’s passing in the Movers Search Group newsletter. I am so very sorry to hear this. Even though I have not kept in touch the last few years, I remember you both fondly. I don’t have any other contact for you, so I hope you see this.
Donna Hyatt
dmhyatt@msn.com
What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Except that he was a hoot. Kept everyone laughing!!
When l worked for United Van lines Gary was my most favorite driver ever! I requested him on every job l could. From our first meeting we were instant friends. He was bigger than life. Funny, flirtatious, joking constantly. He was your forever friend. I moved to Idaho four years ago and was trying to reconnect with him when l read his obituary. I am devastated. Gary l am so happy you found your forever Denise. I am happy you lived in peace and found true happiness. I will forever remember you and all the fun we had. You were truly one of the greatest people l have ever known. ❤️ Until we meet again big guy.