Rosario Urso, Jr. (Ross), passed away peacefully on September 24, 2020. He was born in Tampa, Florida in 1935 where he grew up in Ybor City, within an extended Italian family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Connie Urso, his parents Rosario and Ninetta Urso and his half-brother Frank Urso. He is survived by his three daughters: Josette Urso (Peter Schroth), Lynette Dooley (Kurt) and Yvette Urso. He is also survived by his grandson: John Ross Dooley.
Rosario was a dedicated mathematician, math professor and calculus textbook author. He taught at Hillsborough Community College and immediately upon retiring accepted a fulltime position at the University of Tampa. Professor Urso’s goal was to keep mathematics engaging, fresh and timely. He cared deeply for his students and they adored him in return.
His undergraduate and graduate degrees were from the University of Tampa, Florida State University and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His additional graduate studies were at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago) and the University of Florida, both fully supported by the National Science Foundation.
He was passionate about music and as a young man taught himself to play classical guitar. Like his father, he was a huge opera fan. He spoke three languages, was a voracious and curious reader and spent many afternoons with a book and a Frappuccino.
Ross had an infectious smile and everyone who met him claimed he was the nicest person they ever met. He often spent mornings among friends at one of his many favorite local Latin cafes. They could never understand how he remained so slim when his wife Connie was such a great cook and kept him fortified with all his favorites dishes. He had regular gatherings with a wide circle, including alumni from Jefferson HS, OLPH and UT. He loved to tell everyone that he had three daughters and that their names all ended with an “ette”. He loved sharing memories of playing American Legion baseball. He was a big supporter of all of his grandson’s activities and loved attending his baseball and basketball games throughout the years.
The family will host a celebration of his life at a later date. Meanwhile, please enjoy a café con leche with your family and friends and think of Ross.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made, in his memory to the cultural institution of your choice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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