Michael George “Rico” Rossi died in his sleep May 19, 2017, in Black Diamond.

He was born July 13, 1949, in Renton, Wash., to the late Albert Rossi, a second-generation coal miner in Black Diamond, and Beatrice (Grady) Rossi. His paternal grandparents came from Italy to work the coal mines in Black Diamond. His childhood was filled with fishing and hunting pheasants with his dad, playing in the woods and swimming in the Green River. He was born to play baseball was the team captain of the Black Diamond Merchants that dominated the Enumclaw softball leagues in the early 1980s. He also was a horseshoe player, bowler, bird hunter and fisherman.

He served in the U.S. Army as a Ranger with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, completing a tour in Vietnam after which he was honorably discharged. He went on to work for Boeing and retired after 30 years.

He is survived by daughter Jenna Mae Rossi and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by grandson Howie Koch and sister Linda.

Donations can be made in honor of his grandson Howie to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

A funeral with military honors is planned for noon on June 24 at the Black Diamond Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Black Diamond Eagles hall.

All may sign his online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.