Mrs. Joanne M. (Barbero) Rocco

UTICA – Mrs. Joanne M. (Barbero) Rocco, age 79, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was embraced by the love and care of those she loved the most. Born in Utica on March 2, 1946, Joanne was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Antoinette (Carlo) Barbero. She was educated in local schools. Joanne married the love of her life, Joseph N. “Joe Roc” Rocco, Jr., on November 7, 1964. As they entered into marriage, they found through the years that they were best friends and devoted their lives to one another. They shared over 60 years together prior to Joe’s passing on June 17, 2024. Since his departure from this world to the next, Joanne has missed him each day and her family takes solace in knowing that they are now reunited. Joanne had a love for children that led her to join her best friend and sister-in-law, Shirley Frattasio, in caring for little ones. Her passion led her to open her own home to continue caring for children for many years. Her home was open to so many “by word of mouth.” She left a lasting impression in all the families that she touched. Joanne used tough love in giving advice. As life passed, her door was now open to the generation of her grandchildren. Her attention to them was grand! She allowed food to be a way to show her love, and she never forgot each of their favorites. Joanne was a homebody who loved to update her house. She kept everything in its place. When she went out, she enjoyed dining and spending time with her cousins and friends. With Joanne, there was always food involved. She had great entertaining skills and was a gifted cook, especially for her “Joe Roc.” Although she had a life that was filled with people, her greatest treasures were her daughters, their husbands, and the woman she became when she was bestowed the title of Nonnie. Her girls noted that when the matriarch of a family passes, things ultimately change. This is nothing you can prepare for, but they will keep close to their hearts the life lessons their mother left them. Several of her sayings came to mind, “and you think you’re so perfect!” Or, “Whata yous, nuts?” Joanne is survived by her devoted family: her daughters and sons-in-law, Jill and Steven Conley, and JoAnn and Louis Paciello; grandchildren and their loves, Alexa Conley, Robert Conley and Sophia Penge; Francesca Paciello, Briana Paciello and Tyler Lodge, and Nichole Paciello and Andrew Leach, and their daughter Madelyn Leach. She was preceded by her sister, Vincenza “Carol” (Barbero) Pugliese. She further leaves to cherish her memory her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; in-laws, Rocco J. “Sonny” and Lorraine Rocco, and Frank and Deborah Rocco; and her cousins who were also friends to the end, Roseann, Marie, and LuLu. Joanne was additionally predeceased by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph N. Sr. and Marie Genevieve (Ducette) Rocco; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie T. and Frank A. Dare, Sr., and Shirley and Nicholas “Nick” Frattasio, Jr. Joanne’s final journey of life began in the comfort of her home, where she was cared for by her family, as well as the supportive staff of Nascentia Health. This past week she was attended to by the caregivers of the Siegenthaler Center. Their comforting environment, and compassionate and humane services made for a very peaceful passing. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joanne’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joanne’s honor may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. online at www.hospicecareinc.org; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Joanne M. (Barbero) Rocco

March 2, 1946 - March 10, 2025