Esther Catherine Rossi 1963-2024

She was named after her beloved paternal grandmother, Esterina Rossi.

Esther sparkled brightly from the day she was born on July 4, 1963, in Youngstown.

Esther carried the spirit of independence and celebration throughout her life. She graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1981 before embarking on her journey to Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 12, 1987, to work for United Airlines.

However, fate would have it that she visited a poker room and quickly saw her natural abilities as a card player. She soon became a revered figure in the world of poker, earning acclaim as one of the original women of the game. Her talent shone brightly at the Women’s World Series of Poker, where she made her mark by finishing second in her inaugural tournament, the Woman’s Seven Card Stud WSOP in 1988. Her prowess continued to shine, culminating in a victory at the STUD event at the Super Bowl of Poker in 1990. Esther’s love for the game stemmed from her childhood days spent playing in the basement of her aunt’s home during family gatherings, inheriting her father’s knack for numbers and cards.

Esther’s beauty, generosity and free-spirited nature endeared her to all who knew her. Her vibrant sense of humor, adorned with playful pranks and uplifting jokes, brought smiles to family, friends and those who knew her. Esther radiated charisma and charm and surrounded herself with peace signs, “good vibes” and positive energy. She selflessly devoted her time to caring for her loved ones, including her most recent dedication to nurturing her mother, Donna Villano, with warm homemade meals every day.

She took great pride in her Italian heritage, her Ohio roots and her Catholic faith.

Left to cherish Esther’s memory are her beloved mother, Donna Jean Villano; siblings, Donna Jean Soda of Florida, Nancy Lynne Lacich (Christopher) of Ohio and Toni Ann Carafotes (Paul) of California; nieces, Nicolette Lynne Lacich, Natalie Lynne Lacich, Gianna Grace Huartson and Brittany Huartson; and nephew, Charlie Carafotes.

Esther is reunited with her father, Armando “Spare” Anthony Rossi; and her beloved pets, Baci and Sorella; as well as others loved ones who preceded her, including her brothers-in-law, James R. Soda and Thomas R. Huartson.

Esther’s memory will forever be held dear by all whose lives she touched.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to cherished friends Mounir Elkouz, David Rizk, Susan Caserma and Raymond Lonsway, for their unwavering love and support.

A memorial honoring Esther’s life will take place in Las Vegas on June 1, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) at 5375 S Procyon St., Suite 108, Las Vegas, NV 89118.

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