Robert James “Bob” Rosatti

Robert James “Bob” Rosatti passed away Sept. 4, 2015.

Robert James Rosatti was born Feb. 19, 1923 to parents Joseph and Beatrice Rosatti in Fargo ND. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School which his architect father designed. Bob graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1941. He began college at NDAC, now known as North Dakota State University until Dec 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day. The next day he and his best friend George Gorman enrolled in the US ARMY Aircorp Pilot Training program. Bob flew the Tiger Shark P-40, and Mustang P-51 warbird planes during WWII. After his 1945 discharge he became a licensed civilian instructor.

Bob graduated from college and began his career in Jamestown ND. There he met and married Marian Mooridian. They made their home in Billings. Marian passed away in 1986.

Bob worked for KHT and The Gazette Printing Co. before starting his own business, RJR Business Forms. He also published the Billings Binentennial Book. Bob was also very proud of being a member of the Downtown Billings Exchange Club. He was their oldest and longest standing member.

In 1989 Bob married Phyllis Gorman. They were known as the “Road Warrriors”, racking up thousands of miles between their three residences in Billings, New Braunfels TX and Sioux Lookout Canada. They also enjoyed spending time with family and friends as well as trips to their beloved Italy. Phyllis died in 2010.

Bob enjoyed many things, including volunteering for holiday meals at The Mission. He also loved fishing, woodworking, Frank Sinatra music, all things Italian, the Green Bay Packers and The Yankees. But Bob had a deep dark secret. Being from Fargo, he was a diehard NDSU Bison fan... and that's hard to do in Griz country!

Bob was the last Rosatti standing in his family. He was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Buzz (Bert) Rosatti, Beatrice (Ockey) Gronaas, Jean (Alvie) Lund, nephew John Gronaas and nieces Jane Rosatti and Trissy Crenshaw. He is survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Bob dearly.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, with military honors provided by the American Legion.