John Francis Rossiter

Mass of Christian Burial for the Rev. John Francis Rossiter, 77, Topeka, will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Mater Dei Assumption Church. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
He died Sunday, June 27, 2010, at Midland Hospice House.
He was born June 26, 1933, in Topeka, the son of George and Estelle Finn Rossiter. He attended Holy Name Grade School in Topeka, and graduated from Hayden High School. He had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout
The Rev. Rossiter attended Marquette University in 1952 and entered St. Thomas Seminary in Denver. In 1955, he went to North American College/Gregorian University in Rome (S.T.L.), where he was ordained Dec. 20, 1958. In the summers of 1964-71, he attended graduate schools in Washington, D.C., and St. Louis, and earned a master’s degree in theology.
From 1959 to 1960, the Rev. Rossiter was assigned to Blessed Sacrament Parish and taught at Ward High School, Kansas City, Kan.; from 1960 to 1962, he was assigned to The Old Cathedral and taught at Immaculata High School in Leavenworth; from 1962 to 1972, he was assigned to St. John the Evangelist Parish, Kansas City, Kan., and taught at Donnelly College. He also taught at St. Joseph High School from 1962 to 1963, and was pastor at St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center at Kansas University from 1973 to 1977; St. Pius X Parish, Mission, from 1977 to 1986; and at Assumption Parish in Topeka from 1986 to 2006. He retired in residence to Assumption Rectory on July 1, 2006.
The Rev. Rossiter 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 Topeka’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2006.
His interests included travel, musical theater, reading — especially mystery novels — food, jokes, and his favorite sports teams: Notre Dame, Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, KU Jayhawks and Boston Celtics. He provided space at the rectory for AA meetings.
Survivors include two sisters, Jeanne Renfro, Wichita, and Maureen Lane and husband, Jim, Topeka; and 12 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Kathleen Jacobs.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until a 7 p.m. prayer service Wednesday at Mater Dei Assumption Church, where family will greet friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The family suggests memorials to Mater Dei Parish for the purpose of the Sandwich Ministry, 204 SW Eighth St., Topeka, KS 66603, or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle Topeka, KS 66606.
Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at kevinbrennanfamily.com.