Anita J. (Firmani) Rozzi
Last Updated on May 10, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Anita “Nita” J. Rozzi, age 82, of Logansport, IN, passed away surrounded by loved ones on the morning of Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Cedar Creek Assisted Living after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born October 4, 1943 in Logansport, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence Michael and Clara “Dada” Marie (Sacchini) Firmani.
She was married to Robert “Bob” J. Rozzi, who preceded her in death.
She spent much of her childhood on Bringhurst Street, making cherished memories with neighbors and family. She grew up alongside her younger sister, JoAnn, in a close-knit and loving Italian Catholic family. She went to kindergarten at Longfellow then St. Vincent de Paul through 8th grade, where she appreciated the strict yet kind upbringing. A 1961 graduate of Logansport High School, she was active in the swing choir and remained close with her classmates throughout her life.
A hard worker from a young age, she began her career working for her Aunt Flora at Mordenti’s Grocery Store, the B&K Root Beer Stand, Olsen’s, and later worked proudly in Dr. Parker’s ophthalmology practice. In the mid-1960s, she ventured out West to pursue a career as a jazz vocalist. She reminisced about singing at Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe and playing in the big band circuit. According to the Reno Gazette and Nevada State Journal, she performed at the Sahara-Tahoe and at Robert Burns’ in Santa Monica. Then in April of 1976, Nita debuted as the featured vocalist in the Neat Four with three nationally known musicians. She sang songs like “Summertime” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay”. In the twilight of her singing career, often at the Ben Hur Pajama Lounge or in weddings, her favorite song to perform was “The Rose”.
Higher education was deeply important to her. Nita attended IU Kokomo, IU South Bend, and IU Bloomington, where she earned her bachelor’s of science degree in elementary education in 1969. While at IU, she especially enjoyed singing with the Belles of Indiana. She went on to receive her Master’s in elementary education from Indiana University in 1975.
She taught elementary school for the Logansport School Corporation, first at Columbia Elementary, then primarily first grade at Landis Elementary. She greatly loved her students and valued her fellow educators. After retirement, she continued to serve as a substitute teacher for many years at All Saints Catholic School and Pioneer Elementary. In 1999, she was appointed Special Deputy Sheriff during her husband Bob’s tenure as Cass County Sheriff.
She proudly worked in sports vision with the United States Olympic Committee and the Kansas City Royals. She volunteered with the Cass County Community Foundation scholarship committee. She was also a member of the Elks, Indiana Teacher’s Association, the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, and All Saints Catholic Church.
Deeply patriotic, she often attended the Memorial Day parades. Nita was so proud to be an American and held an eternal gratitude for those who served our country. She often spoke of her Uncle Joe; he was the first family member to hold her after her birth because her Dad was serving in WWII. Secondo “Joe” Sacchini was later killed in action in France in 1944.
Nita had a full and dynamic life. She loved cheering on her children and grandchildren at sporting events, traveling, especially to Disney, Michigan, and Naples, Florida where she loved to catch a sunset. She knew how to have fun, how to cook, and loved to bring people together. A creative and talented woman, she was a serious baker (especially Italian ciambella coffee cake, pizzelles, and homemade Italian bread), bowling, painting on canvas, working puzzles on the computer, and dancing. Many often remarked that she had the energy of someone much younger than her actual years. In the winters, you might find her crocheting, curled up with a book by Robyn Carr, enjoying a heartwarming Hallmark movie, or watching for deer in her yard, especially when the grandkids were visiting. In the warmer months, she loved working in her flowerbeds, hunting for morel mushrooms, or washing her patio. One of her favorite pastimes was relaxing on her patio swing with a glass of Oliver Winery wine or a gin and tonic, taking in the view of the woods behind her home, simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Always social and full of life, she loved being with people, loved to laugh, and was known for her quick wit and beautiful smile that could light up any room.
She treasured her deep Catholic faith, often prayed the rosary, and found great joy in attending Mass, singing in church, and receiving Holy Communion. Above all, she found God’s greatest blessings through her beloved Italian Catholic family. Her husband Bob, along with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, were the center of her heart.
She cherished holidays, always preparing generous homemade meals as an expression of her love. A devoted mother, she loved holding and caring for babies, never stopped looking out for her family, and offered a lifetime of unwavering support, guidance, and unconditional love. Her sweetest memories and her greatest will to fight came from her legacy—her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
A teacher at heart, she did more than share her stories—she lived them alongside us. She guided us through life’s most meaningful lessons, teaching us kindness, strong values, and integrity, reminding us of the importance of doing what was right. She embraced her family, her faith, her community, her country, and the joys of everyday life with warmth, compassion, and genuine enthusiasm. She will be deeply missed by many. We were so blessed to know and to love her.
Survivors include her son, David Price (fiancé, Angela Bender) of Logansport, IN, daughter, Dr. Monica Price Kowaleski (Kevin) of Greenfield, IN, sister, JoAnn Firmani Zabawa (Michael) of Bloomington, IN; grandchildren, Jessica Robinson (Taylor), Nick Price (Stephanie), Meisha Price (fiancé, Sean Barvais), Brady Price, Joseph Kowaleski, Matthew Kowaleski; great-grandchildren, Quinn Robinson, Reagan Price, Myles Robinson, Sophia Price, several loving cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends, and dear neighbors.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 3pm-7pm at Kroeger-Crain Funeral & Cremation, 711 East Market Street Logansport, IN.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 10am at All Saints Catholic Church. Father Kyle Neterer will officiate.
Memorial Contributions for a scholarship in Anita’s memory may be made to the Cass County Community Foundation 729 E. Market St PO Box 441 Logansport, IN 46947. Memo: Robert and Anita Rozzi Scholarship Fund.
Condolences can be shared at https://www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.