EDWARD F. ROZICH
Apr 26, 1928 - Mar 8, 2015
Edward F. Rozich, an 86-year-old homeless veteran, was tragically found frozen to death in the front seat of a 1977 International Harvester Scout on March 8, 2015, at a mechanic's lot in Bay View. He had been living in the vehicle with the permission of the shop owner, Ken Schetter, who had become a friend to Rozich after discovering him sleeping in cars on his lot. Over time, Schetter offered Rozich kindness, providing him with food and coffee. Rozich rarely spoke about his own military service, but he held deep pride in the memory of his half-brother, a World War II veteran, carrying with him mementos such as his honorable discharge papers, baptism certificate, and clippings of his brother’s service.
Despite Schetter's heartfelt efforts to support Rozich, the veteran passed away from chronic congestive heart failure on a bitterly cold night. The loss weighed heavily on Schetter, who was left wondering if there was more he could have done—if he should have called the authorities or been more insistent about getting Rozich additional help.
This devastating story sheds light on a harsh reality: many individuals experiencing homelessness struggle to access the resources and support they desperately need, sometimes unaware of opportunities that could drastically improve their circumstances. Had Rozich known about the $26,000 sitting unclaimed and held by the State after all those efforts to reach him, it could have alleviated some of his financial struggles and provided him with much-needed stability and comfort. It’s a reminder of how important it is for businesses like Deer Distance LLC to assist individuals in recovering unclaimed assets, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives when they need it most.