Obituary: Alexander Rozum Sr., 86, of Prospect

Alexander Rozum Sr., 86, lifelong resident of Prospect, died peacefully at the Vitas Unit of St. Mary's Hospital early Sunday, March 18, 2012, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary (Rigon) Rozum, of Prospect. He was predeceased by a son, Alexander Rozum Jr.

Rozum was born on March 3, 1926, in Prospect, son of the late Thomas and Florence (Ebroska) (Swigar) Rozum.

Enterprising at a young age, he was the paper boy to the town, milked cows at Johns' Cedar Hill Farm Dairy and started buying, fixing and reselling cars at age 13.

He attended Prospect schools, Crosby High School, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Accounting, studied economics at Washington State and served in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by Lea Mfg. for 34 years, becoming part owner and vice president of the company.

Rozum was active in the community, being the president of the Prospect Social Club. Later on, his activities included involvement with the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department, The American Legion, the Elks Club, The March of Dimes, The Waterbury Association of Retarded Citizens, Greater Waterbury Junior Achievement, Easter Seals, Citizens Energy committee of Waterbury, chairman of the Building Committee for the Prospect Firehouse, part owner of T-Hangars, owner of Prospect Mower and Engine Repair and other activities too numerous to count.

Rozum was a gifted 'fix-it' man who could always be counted on to lend a hand or do a favor. He loved buying and selling and making a tough deal, but making new friends in the process. He was happiest in his 'Mower Shop', restoring classic cars, airplanes, motorcycles, anything with an engine.

He loved his German Shepherds and most of all, he enjoyed his grandchildren.

He leaves behind son Thomas Rozum and his partner Laurie Lewis of Berkeley, Calif.; daughter Marianne Alexis Rozum Lopez, her husband Chuy Lopez and two grandchildren, Marcos Alexander Lopez and Nastassia Alexandra Lopez, of Morris; a daughter, Alexia Rozum Dickman and her husband Alexander Dickman Jr. of Southbury; a sister, Eve Rozum Smith of Prospect; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was predeceased by sisters Anne (Rozum) Stotz, of Naugatuck, Julia (Rozum) Wislocki of Prospect, Mary (Rozum) Baker of Prospect, Helen (Rozum) Charron of Waterbury, Irene (Rozum) Rigon of Prospect and brother Andrew Rozum of Seymour.

At his wife's request, a private funeral took place Thursday, March 22, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to the Vitas Hospice Unit, St. Mary's Hospital. Family and friends are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Alex's life by visiting the Chase Parkway Memorial Funeral Home website.