MADISON - Mark Rosa, age 61, passed away from complications of multiple sclerosis on Friday, November 18, 2011, in his own bed, with his wife Sue, his brother John and John's wife LuAnne at his side. A private graveside ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 23.
Mark was born Robert Mark Rosa on May 31, 1950, in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Bob and Jean (Snively) Rosa. Mark and Sue met in 1979 and married (eloped) on November 5, 1980, during a trip to London, England. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary during Mark's recent hospitalization.
Mark grew up in Monroe where his interest in early music and harpsichord building began. After moving to Madison he built historical keyboard instruments for a living before returning to University of Wisconsin-Madison and completing degrees in linguistics and library science. He worked at UW-Madison Mills Music Library before retiring in 2005.
Mark freely shared his enthusiasm for art and music, food and cooking, words and languages. He loved playing the harpsichord, listening to music, telling jokes, and playing Scrabble. Mark was loved and admired by all who knew him for his droll sense of humor, his kindness, his wit and the courage and grace with which he endured the never-ending challenges and losses associated with the relentless progression of his MS.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Jean Rosa.
He is survived by his wife Sue (Ayres) and his brother John. He is also survived by the four harpsichords and clavichord he built and sent out into the world. These instruments and the music played on them will be an important part of Mark's legacy far into the future.
Mark requested that any memorials be made to Madison Bach Musicians, 5729 Forsythia Place, Madison, WI 53705.
Mark was born Robert Mark Rosa on May 31, 1950, in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Bob and Jean (Snively) Rosa. Mark and Sue met in 1979 and married (eloped) on November 5, 1980, during a trip to London, England. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary during Mark's recent hospitalization.
Mark grew up in Monroe where his interest in early music and harpsichord building began. After moving to Madison he built historical keyboard instruments for a living before returning to University of Wisconsin-Madison and completing degrees in linguistics and library science. He worked at UW-Madison Mills Music Library before retiring in 2005.
Mark freely shared his enthusiasm for art and music, food and cooking, words and languages. He loved playing the harpsichord, listening to music, telling jokes, and playing Scrabble. Mark was loved and admired by all who knew him for his droll sense of humor, his kindness, his wit and the courage and grace with which he endured the never-ending challenges and losses associated with the relentless progression of his MS.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Jean Rosa.
He is survived by his wife Sue (Ayres) and his brother John. He is also survived by the four harpsichords and clavichord he built and sent out into the world. These instruments and the music played on them will be an important part of Mark's legacy far into the future.
Mark requested that any memorials be made to Madison Bach Musicians, 5729 Forsythia Place, Madison, WI 53705.