Massimo Rossi 1933 – 2024
The family of Massimo Rossi is deeply saddened to announce his death on February 6, 2024, at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.
Massimo Rossi, organist, professor, and compositor, died at age 90 as peacefully and gently as he had lived, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Terry, his devoted son, Alex, his brothers Joseph “Tino”, Angelo and Giovanni, his sister Lina and many relatives and friends.
The musical arts community of Quebec has thus lost one of its most illustrious and accomplished musicologists.
Massimo was born in 1933 to Elisa and Tomasso Rossi in Supino (Lazio) Italy. He pursued classical and musical studies in Rome and Siena. In 1953, he emigrated to Quebec and soon became organist and choir director at the Notre Dame de-la-Consolata Church. His love for organ music as well as his curiosity in the construction of pipe organs led him to further his study of the instrument as well as obtaining several degrees from the Université de Montréal. He spent 33 years at the University teaching music theories, organology, and restoration of antique organs, even building his own pipe organs for his home.
Massimo composed over fifty vocal and instrumental works, in different styles, often of a religious nature, too many to list.
As an organist, he performed recitals in Italy, United States and Canada and was often featured on Radio-Canada. He was an associate compositor at the Canadian Music Centre where some of his works have been archived.
He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him as a refined, devoted and passionate artistic virtuoso, yet modest, generous, respectful and kind, with a perpetual smile and always ready to share a good meal and a glass of his wine with his family, friends and colleagues.
The music of the heavens will resound more harmoniously now that Massimo’s spirit has entered its celestial spheres.
The family will receive condolences on Sunday, February 11, from 1pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm at the Belvedere Cemetery and Funeral Complex, 22025 Trans-Canada Highway in Senneville.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 12 at 11am at Les Saints-Anges de Lachine church, 1400 Blvd Saint-Joseph in Lachine.
As an expression of sympathy, instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Massimo’s name to the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence in Kirkland.
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