The environmental community and residents of Mecklenburg County are mourning the loss of Rusty Rozzelle, a champion of local waterways who dedicated 45 years to protecting and preserving the area's streams, lakes, and rivers. Rozzelle, who had ties to the County stretching back several generations, passed away at the age of 68 last Tuesday. His passing was marked by an outpouring of remembrances and tributes to his long-standing service.
Rozzelle's connection to the water was rooted deeply in family history, as the Rozzelle family settled in Mecklenburg County in the late 1780s and even ran a ferry service across the Catawba River for about 120 years. According to Mecklenburg County News, Rusty got his education locally and carried his passion for the outdoors and environment from his youth into his professional career. He joined Mecklenburg County's workforce in 1980, initially working in mosquito control before finding his life's work in the water quality team.
Rozzelle was an integral part of the Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA), where he was known for his dedication and leadership. Ebenezer Gujjarlapudi, LUESA Director, was quoted saying, "He was an outstanding team member, mentor, confidant and servant leader, who exemplified dedication and commitment to the community." Gujjarlapudi's comments highlight the personal impact Rozzelle had on his colleagues and the community at large.
Throughout his career, Rozzelle had work on numerous initiatives, including a key role in Mecklenburg County's Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program and the development of multiple environmental ordinances. He was praised for his collaboration skills, notably in securing the first joint National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in the state that provided unified water quality protection throughout the county. Don Ceccarelli, Storm Water Services Division Director, articulated the significance of Rozzelle's contributions: "Rusty's greatest strength and contribution to community was his ability to bring groups (with oftentimes different goals/needs) together and lead them to consensus on initiatives that balance growth in the area with protection and preservation of water resources."
Rozzelle leaves behind a legacy underscored by his passion for the environment and his ability to foster collaboration. As someone who nearly retired, his decision to remain active in his field was seen as driven by his dedication, as much as to his work, as to his love for his staff and community.
