David John (DJ) Rosa was born November 3,1970 in Butte MT to Dan and Loretta Gay Rosa. The adored youngest of six children, DJ enjoyed a magical childhood filled with adventures in the mountains, dirt bike riding, snow skiing, summers on the lake at his parents cabin, fishing, hanging out with his numerous cousins and friends and many road trips that generally included Big Jim and Linda making it all the more fun for him.  There was never a shortage of fun stories growing up on Gold street in Butte. He spoke fondly of his walks to Grandma’s Cass and Flo for lunch, fun times at Uncle Ben’s cabin and Aunt Margie’s house, and celebrating holidays with the Rosa and Johnston families.

DJ attended school in Butte MT where he  grew up playing  sports and playing the drums for his high school band.  More than anything he loved the comradery that came with being part of a team  .After graduating from Butte High, Dave attended and graduated from Rocky Mountain College.  He loved the warm weather so when his work brought him to the Tri Cities, WA he made the most of his day’s with hard work, the new friends and enjoying life in the Tri Cities.  He loved being on the water, golfing, motorcycle riding.  His contagious zest for life and charismatic personality found Dave always surrounded by many great friends and family.  In 1997 DJ met and married the perfect girl for him, Lisa Chapman and there was an instant connection.  With arms wide open he embraced Lisa’s two sons, Landon & Tyson Kafentzis as his own.  The four of them started a wonderful life together.  Being a part of raising Landon and Tyson was something he took great pride in.  You would find him front and center at all of their sporting events which included many trips to U of Hawaii to visit them and watch them play. One such trip he found his way to a “restricted area” filming his boys before a big game and was mistaken for a scout for the opposing team.  Bells and whistles went off and as DJ made a run for it, Landon & Tyson had no doubt who the “scout” was!  An exciting trip to New Orleans to watch Tyson play in the Sugar Bowl and celebrate NYE, football in Alabama where only he could sneak all of them into the Alabama locker room for a “walk thru” before the game started and then right out onto the field!!!  Nothing was ordinary and everything was an exciting adventure with DJ!

In 1998 his life changed forever for the better when he welcomed his son, Taren Daniel Rosa and in 2003 he was over the moon when his daughter Mia Bella Rosa was born.  DJ was an all-in dad. His family meant the world to him.  He shared all the joys of his own childhood with his kids spending many weekends camping with the motorcycles, four wheeling at the sand dunes and so many adventures.  Coaching Taren’s sports when he was young and then getting all decked out in Hanford High gear was something he especially loved. A highlight for him was being mistaken for a coach on the sidelines and the kids calling him Coach DJ.  He decorated his fancy golf cart for every game and drove it around the track with kids hanging off the back.   He cheered his princess on at swimming, making sure she would be well rounded, he taught her to ride a four wheeler, bike and motorcycles and thought teaching her how to drive in the Malibu with no power steering was the best idea.

DJ spent most of his career working for Cowperwood Company and loved his job and his Cowperwood family.  His office was the most popular place to be for good conversations and the best snacks.  He made many lifelong friends while working there.

With 8 grandkids, DJ took his role of Papa D very seriously.  His “little rabbits”  were everything to him. Even on days when his health challenged him, “Papa D” was there at every event, every game cheering for them.  DJ loved BIG and some of his biggest loves went to Niko, Zeke, Ziah, Luka, Silas, Lola, Aila, and Mateo. The shared a special bond of love, laughing and adoration.

As his own family grew, DJ loved bringing them to Butte to see his family, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  DJ was a devoted family man and loved us all being together.  Laughter was his best medicine and there was always plenty of laughing!  DJ had a love for all things hot rod.  He rebuilt a ’53 Ford truck and bought a ’67 Chevy convertible Malibu with his dad.  He loved his road trips in the Malibu and drove it every year with the kids in the Cool Desert Nights parade.  DJ enjoyed a special relationship with his brother Danny, Pat Picard, Big Jim, his sisters Michelle, Christine, Julie, and Aimee Rosa, the Bechtel’s,  Nicacio, and Chapman families.  His calls with his mom and dad were a highlight that he looked forward to daily.

DJ was blessed with many gifts, he could tell a story and captivate everyone in the room, his kindness knew no bounds and would do anything for anyone. He never met a stranger, people were drawn to him for good reason.

DJ committed his life to his Savior in 2018, he studied his Bible and shared what he knew with anyone that listened. DJ passed away on December 25th, Christmas day surrounded by his entire family.  His family knows he has met Jesus face to face and takes great comfort in it.  Our hearts are broken and we miss him like crazy.  We will honor him with our lives until we see him again.  Left to celebrate him are his loving parents Dan & Gay Rosa, siblings Michelle, Danny, Christine, Julie, Aimee & BIL’s Pat & Bart. His wife Lisa, Landon & Raquel Kafentzis, Tyson & Brea Kafentzis, Taren & Mia Rosa, 8 grands that adore him, Harvey Chapman and family, his big Butte family, and everyone he called friend.  We plan to have a Celebration of his life when the sun comes out this Spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in DJ’s name to: The Colt Anderson Dream Big Foundation On line at: www.dreambigmontana.com