Mr. Mario L. Rocci, Sr.

UTICA – On Sunday, July 16, 2023, Mr. Mario L. Rocci, Sr., age 94, was reunited with his loved ones who preceded him. His three sons and their families attended to his every need prior to his passing. Born in Utica on December 8, 1928, to the late Pietro and Madelina (Sgambata) Rocci, Mario was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1947. He then answered the call to serve his nation in the United States Navy on the USS Midway aircraft carrier and was honorably discharged in 1952 after four years of duty. He faithfully flew both the American and Navy flags with considerable pride on the porch of his home. Upon his return from the Korean War, he began his career and college education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics from the Utica College of Syracuse University. On October 20, 1951, he married the former Marie Joyce Cuccaro. Their marriage was filled with love, kindness, and respect for one another. They carried each other’s troubles in times of need and found many reasons to laugh together. This fifty-six plus year relationship started at an early age and endured with many blessings until Marie’s passing on August 4, 2008. When life was at its best, he and Marie enjoyed many deep and memorable friendships and casual gatherings. They also loved dining out and dancing together. Mario’s training in science served him well throughout his career as a Reliability Engineer with the Rome Air Development Center, which is currently the Air Force Research Laboratory. He loved being a scientist and was proud of his scientific publications in his field. Mario was a man of integrity, and he raised his sons to be honest and men of their word. Mario was genuine, and loving, and talked about his grandchildren with great affection. His eyes spoke volumes of how much he adored them. The game of golf was much more than a sport to Mario, it was a passion. He could be found on the fairways of Valley View Golf and Country Club, with his brothers and brother-in-law every weekend during golf season. These were special moments in his life, as was his membership and brotherhood with those of the Tau Phi Zeta Fraternity. As a young man, Mario participated in the Players of Utica where he sang parts in musicals, including Kiss Me Kate, Summer and Smoke, and The Time of Cuckoo. He loved Broadway musicals, the sounds of big bands, and watching old movies. Some of his favorite times were holidays spent with extended family, and annual summer picnics at local city and state parks with the Rocci and Cuccaro families. He regularly hosted informal cocktail hour and pizza parties on the porch of his home to anyone in the neighborhood wishing to attend, and often proclaimed “Who has it better than us?” Mario was a communicant of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church. Mario is survived by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Mario L. Jr. and Donna M. Rocci, David and Marie Rocci, and Stephen Rocci and Sherry Morosco; his grandchildren, Mark J. Rocci; Philip Rocci, Elaine and Matthew Tolley; Samantha and Brandon Ramos, and Savanna Rocci; and his great-grandson, Master Leo Ramos. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Alphonse and Mary Rocci, and Alfred J. and Orietta “Orrie” Rocci. Mario is also survived by his in-laws, Carole Aulbach, Carl F. and Kathleen Cuccaro, and Ronald A. and Sheila Cuccaro; and the many great friends who blessed his life. He will be greeted in heaven by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Pasquale and Rose (Pepe) Cuccaro; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Theresa A. and Ronald L. Smith, whom he treasured as a brother and dear friend. His loss is also felt by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the Masonic Care Community for the care provided to Mario. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Memorial contributions in Mario’s honor may be made to the “The Mario Rocci and Marie Cuccaro Scholarship Fund” at Utica University online at www.utica.edu/donate; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place alongside his beloved wife in the family’s private mausoleum in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Mr. Mario L. Rocci, Sr.

December 8, 1928 - July 16, 2023