March 14, 1924 – January 23, 2013
Santa Barbara native, Calvin Joseph Rossi, passed away January 23, 2013 just two months shy of his 89th birthday. Cal grew up in Santa Barbara, attending Roosevelt Elementary, La Cumbre Junior High and Santa Barbara High. Cal was one of the stars of the Don’s football and baseball teams during his years at Santa Barbara High and student body president in 1942/43. The Santa Barbara Round Table inducted Cal into the Santa Barbara Athletic Hall of Fame in 1970.
He met the love of his life, Alberta Casier, at Santa Barbara High. They married in 1947 after his stellar football career at UCLA. He was a loving husband to Alberta for 65 years. Their marriage was a love story filled with wonderful memories. Cal was a devoted father to his three children Randy Rossi, Rick Rossi and Roberta (Rossi) Pyne. He instilled the value of education into his children early in life and all three became educators.
His many years as an educator and advocate for teachers, students and education touched many peoples’ lives. His educational career began after his service to the US Navy through the Naval Officers program and his illustrious years at UCLA playing football and baseball. In 1948, Cal turned down a contract to play with the Washington Redskins to follow his heart and pursue a career in education. Cal taught in public high schools and was head football coach to many young football players. Cal eventually became an advocate for teachers’ rights through his work with the California Teachers’ Association.
In 1971 Cal moved his family to Los Altos Hills, California where he continued working for CTA. Cal worked with Senator Rodda to pass legislation to gain collective bargaining rights for educators. He also worked closely with the community and state colleges focusing on higher education. Finally in 1984, Cal retired from CTA in his position as Deputy Executive Director of CTA. Even in retirement Cal stayed busy. He continued consulting with teachers’ associations as a financial retirement counselor for Horace Mann. In 1998, Cal was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding performance as a Bruin football player.
Calvin is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Cristy Rossi and Debbie Rossi; his son-in-law Kevin Pyne; and adoring granddaughter, Chelsea Pyne. Private family gatherings will be held to remember Cal.
