Wayne L. Rosetti, Sr.

Wayne Lynn Rosetti Sr. passed away July 5, 2024 at the age of 87.

Wayne was born on January 23, 1937, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was the middle child of George “Eudie” and Edna Melvin Rosetti, with an older brother George and a younger brother Larry. Wayne grew up on the culturally diverse Biloxi “Point”, known for its Yugoslavian and French-descent community. During his teenage years, Wayne helped-out at the family restaurant, "Rosetti’s Café," located near the old Ocean Springs bridge. When he wasn't working or going to school, Wayne loved weightlifting and continued to pursue it well into his eighties.

In 1954, Wayne graduated from Biloxi High School and considered himself an "average student with an inquisitive mind." He briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg but decided to take a different path and joined the U.S. Army. Wayne embraced the discipline and structure of military life and spent three years serving, during which he developed a love for reading. He dived into books on various subjects, sparking his curiosity about the world and fostering an appreciation for history, philosophy, and classical music. This newfound interest in intellectual and cultural pursuits also ignited his passion for art, drawing inspiration from the styles of Picasso and Van Gogh.

In 1958, Wayne returned to Biloxi and followed his uncle's advice by starting a plumbing and electrical supply company in Gulfport. With his business thriving, Wayne had more time to nurture his artistic talents. He dedicated himself to studying and practicing art, immersing himself in the craft. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Helen Frances Jurta. They got married on December 12, 1964, and embarked on a 59-year journey together. Wayne and Helen had two children, Wayne Jr. and Vicki, whom they raised in their home in West Biloxi. Throughout his life, Wayne ventured into various business endeavors but always made sure to prioritize his family and his art.

From the late 1960s, when he completed his first oil painting, to 2024, when he created his final digital artwork on his iPad, Wayne produced an impressive collection of over 10,000 pieces. His creations included paintings, sculptures, pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and digital art, each with its own unique construction and meaning. Wayne and Helen’s home became a vibrant gallery, adorned with his artwork on every wall, table, and corner, a reflection of his immense creativity and passion. Wayne even gained a large following on Instagram where he shared his artwork and offered support and friendship to fellow artists. One of his followers was a Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic who praised many of Wayne's exceptional pieces.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father and mother George “Eudie” and Edna Melvin Rosetti, his brother Larry Rosetti, and his great-grandson Rowan.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife Helen, his children Wayne Jr. and his wife Michelle and Vicki Applewhite and her husband Roger, his grandchildren Jared, Corbin, and Nick as well as his great-grandchildren Emma, Charlotte, Oliver, Maddox, Natalie, Parker, and Penelope. He is also survived by his brother George and his wife Barbara, his sister-in-law Maureen, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Wayne's artistic expression, deep love for his family, and kind, gentle soul continue to inspire and touch everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace, aware of the exceptional person he was and the profound positive impact he had on so many lives.

Before his passing, Wayne wrote a brief life summary and explanation of his overall philosophical approach to his art that his family would like to share:

“My name is Wayne Rosetti Sr. My wife is named Helen, and we have two children, son Wayne Jr. and daughter Victoria. I was born and raised in Biloxi and have lived my entire life here. My interest in painting began in my twenties. Being self-taught, I read and studied the history of art and through trial and error became aware of what I wanted to express without having someone influence my views.

The basic view of my work is to take a universal approach with no restriction as to style or technique. If the purpose of art is to alter one’s perspective as to how you view things, then you have to constantly set new parameters and try new expressive values.

Although art is subjective to each individual, through being repetitively exposed to your art, you develop an understanding and appreciation for it, thus you are expanding how you perceive art.”

 Wayne L. Rosetti Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 15th, 2024, at the Rosetti residence, 2511 Meadow Road, Biloxi, MS 39531 where friends can call between 11am - 2pm.

A private interment will take place at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave. Biloxi, MS. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Gulf Coast Rescue Mission, 2750 Mission Lane, Biloxi, MS 39531. You can also use the link available below the obituary.