Mr. Rocco A. Cuchiarale

UTICA – Mr. Rocco A. Cuchiarale went home to the Lord and was reunited with his beloved wife, Lena, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after living an accomplished life of 102 years. His daughter, Rita, had been his voice and protector during the final years of his life. Born in Utica on November 14, 1922, Rocco was the son of the late Antonio and Maria Angela (Pandolf) Cuchiarale. He was a proud graduate of T.R. Proctor High School, Class of 1941. On May 18, 1946, he married the former Angeline “Lena” Martello. Rocco lived every day with the true meaning of love: constant kindness, patience, and sacrifice. Theirs was truly a perfect union, inspiring to all who knew them. Together they shared over 76 years prior to Lena’s passing on August 21, 2022. Rocco worked for the New York State Thruway Authority, the position from which he retired after 30 years of service. Rocco was a humble, generous man who devoted his life to his family. He was honorable and kind, and always lived by God’s word! For many years he practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Rocco is survived by his devoted daughter, Rita Ann Rotundo. He held close to his heart the memory of his son-in-law, Ret. Police Chief Benny D. Rotundo, UPD. He fondly remembered his siblings and their spouses who preceded him, Joseph A. and Florence Cucharale, Nicholas and Dorothy Cucharale, Henry “Cutter” and Mary Ann Cuchiarale, Rose and Peter Levito, Mary and Nicholas Pepperine, Philomena and Harold MacCrea, and Carmella Grande-Etergineoso and her first husband, Angelo Grande, and second husband, Anthony Etergineoso. He leaves to cherish his memory many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was additionally predeceased by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Rita Martello; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Guy Joseph “Frank” Julian; nephews, John Joseph Julian, Anthony Paulino Jr., and Joseph F. and his wife Mary Ellen Cucharale; and niece, Carol (Cuchiarale) Sanguine. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rocco’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, Lourdes Campus, 2222 Genesee St. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of the Mass. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/c/JoeSalernoOLOL. Memorial contributions in Rocco’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at www.stjude.org/donate; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family. “Memories of You” is now playing, and Rocco and Lena are dancing once again.

Mr. Rocco A. Cuchiarale

November 14, 1922 - October 26, 2025