Mr. Edmund A Rossman passed on September 6, 2025, at the age of 93. Beloved husband of Eleanor (nee Walsh, deceased) for 61 years; loving father of Edmund III, Elizabeth (deceased), Anne Natales and Thomas (Margaret); cherished grandfather of Eric Andrako, Megan Basting (Reid), Samantha Armagost (Taylor), and Natalie (friend Logan); brother of Robert (Kathleen) and James (deceased). Uncle and friend to many. In Lieu of flowers, donations requested to the Cleveland Police Foundation at clevelandpolicefoundation.org or Monastery of Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr. Cleveland 44111
Ed went from West Tech High School directly to the Air Force at the outbreak of the Korean War. Afterwards he was a member of the Bricklayers Union, building foundations for many houses during the late 50’s house boom in Brookpark and other west side areas.
After the birth of his second child, he joined the Cleveland Police Department in 1958, rising through the ranks as a Vice Sergeant, Lieutenant in command of the Accident Investigation Unit, Captain serving in all the districts until being appointed District Commander of the 2nd district and then Deputy Chief of Operations until his retirement in 1986. He oversaw Municipal Stadium security during the Kardiac Kids period and a member of the Retired Irish Police group. He and Eleanor enjoyed their only overseas trip, a tour of Ireland with the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums unit. He was also a director at the Cleveland Police Credit Union from 1977 to 1990.
An avid golfer, he registered 4 holes in one in Northeast Ohio and Ft. Myers, FL area where he and Eleanor enjoyed over 20 winter seasons. He enjoyed bowling after his late shifts on the police department and softball, where he played in Florida and as a member of the “Huff and Puffers” softball league in Parma as a pitcher, then catcher until he was 83.
He was active in social activities at Our Lady of Angels parish in Cleveland, acting as Golf league commissioner as well as a blackjack dealer for many parish festivals. He was also a member of Mary Queen of the Apostles parish Rosary group after his dear wife passed in 2017. When closing conversations with his fellow police officers, his favorite line was, “Keep the faith.”
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, 6455 Engle Road, Brook Park, Ohio 44142 on Monday September 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 - 10:00 AM at the church prior to the mass.
