Dennis A. Rossi, 56, died Monday. He was an international exploration geophysicist.

Dennis received his Bachelor of Science degree from Youngstown State and his Master of Science from Wright State in Dayton, Ohio.

He began his career at Mobil Oil. He worked in oil and gas exploration for many years and in many parts of the world, including stints in Saudi Arabia and Singapore. At the time of his death, he was an employee of Noble Energy.

He bravely, graciously and humorously fought his illness for a year and a half after his diagnosis of metastatic colon cancer.

He loved life and had many friends and hobbies, including model trains, cars and baseball.

Dennis was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Rossi.

He is survived by his mother, Rose Rossi; wife, Peggi Gilmore-Rossi; daughters, Rosalie Rebecca Rossi and Kathleen Elizabeth Rossi; sister, Mary R. Ference, her husband Dean, and their sons Kevin and Greg; and many other relatives.

<B>ROSSI</B> — The funeral service for Dennis A. Rossi, who died Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, was held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ascension Episcopal Church, 2525 Seagler Road, Houston, Texas, with the Rev. Walter L. Ellis officiating. A reception followed immediately in the Parish Hall.A memorial service will be held in Ellwood City later.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030; the MD Anderson Cancer Center, c/o Dr. Steven Curley, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486; or to Ascension Episcopal Church, 2525 Seagler Road, Houston, TX 77042.The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff at Memorial Hermann Memorial City and the staff of Houston Hospice for the wonderful care they provided. Special thanks to Dr. Abramowitz, Dr. Cali, Dr. Rolnick, Dr. Mauck, Dr. Curley and to Grace and Andy Cali and numerous other relatives and friends for their faithful prayers and help. Dennis requested that everyone have a colonoscopy regularly to protect themselves from this awful disease of colon cancer. Be proactive in your health! Arrangements handled by <B>David Funeral Directors</B>, Houston, Texas.