Rocco was Italian and proud! He was born in Palermiti, Calabria, Italy In 1937. He loved his family and was extremely close to his beloved mother, Maria. In fact, he was what one would call a true Mammone!. Rocco enjoyed singing opera music, playing bocce ball, tending to his garden, eating pasta, making wine, watching The Price is Right and Jeopardy, traveling, the beach, fancy clothes and getting lost in conversations while meeting up with friends and family. He was a man of the catholic faith and was a member of the St Bridgets Church Family. Rocco also adored his extended family, with many nieces, nephews and greats too!
Like many Italian Immigrants, Rocco and his family came to America to look for a better life. In 1955, at the age of 18, Rocco and his father, Pasquale, and sister Maria set forth to The United States. They resided in Maynard, MA where Rocco’s grandfather helped him find his very first American Labor Working job. Rocco helped to make ends meet and save enough money to bring over the rest of the family from Italy (they all came to the states 3 years later).
Rocco spent over 60 years in the home that he and his family moved to in 1955. They generated a lifetime of memories there through holiday dinners, birthday parties, BBQs, and Sunday family gatherings. Rocco moved out of the family home in 2018. He then moved to The Summerhill Glen Apartments in Maynard where he would live the rest of his years. Rocco passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, February 5th, 2022. Although his family misses him dearly, they know that he is at peace with loved ones by his side. He lived a great 84 years!
Per Rocco’s request, the funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a foundation near and dear to all of our hearts.