Mr. Rocco A. DeRocco Sr.

UTICA - Mr. Rocco A. DeRocco, Sr., age 101, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at the St. Luke’s Home with his loving family by his side. Born in Utica on August 16, 1916, Rocco was the son of the late Frank and Carmella (Viola) DeRocco. He was raised and educated locally. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he honorably served his country. On October 8, 1938 he wed the former Antoinette M. “Nettie” Giordano with whom he shared 59 years prior to her passing on June 7, 1998. Their marriage was a joint venture of loyal commitment and genuine love. The two had a passion for their family and for one another. Their children will always remember Rocco and Nettie’s favorite pastime of weekly visits to the Moose Lodge where they went dancing together. Rocco worked as a Custodian for the Utica City School District, the position from which he retired after 20 years of service. A loving patriarch, he was a calm, caring, cheerful family man. He always had a happy-go-lucky attitude and a dapper appearance. A gifted handyman, he enjoyed tinkering around the house. He was also a devoted, die-hard Yankees fan and a member of the former Utica Moose Club in Marcy as well as the former Sons of Italy Lodge. He practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Rocco is survived by his daughter, Mary Lou Nolan and Larry Browne of Medford, NY. He held close to his heart the memory of his daughter, Carmella M. Ambrosi-Basi who passed away on April 26, 2016; his sons-in-law who preceded him, Hector B. Ambrosi, Robert “Rocco” Basi, and William F. “Bill” Nolan. He also leaves his son, Rocco A. “Ricky” DeRocco Jr. and R.J. Middlemiss of Utica; and the cherished memory of his son, Frank A. DeRocco who passed away on January 13, 2014. He will be remembered by his daughter-in-law, Donna DeRocco; his grandchildren, Denise Ambrosi and Ellie Della Penna, Mark Ambrosi, Karla and John Spina; Raymond and Lisa Lamanna, Craig Nolan, Billy and Christine Nolan; Gina and Joe Martino, Frank and Nicole DeRocco, Vincent and Krystle DeRocco, and Patrick DeRocco. He cherished the memory of his grandson, Joseph Casella who preceded him. In addition, he leaves nineteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Caroline DeRocco; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rachel and Palmer Benvento, Libby and Andrew Perri, and Anna and Sam Kermararis; and his in-laws, Austin and Antoinette Giordano, and Grace and Peter Scalzo. The family is grateful to the nurses, nursing assistants, staff, and physicians of Barton East at the St. Luke’s Home for the care and compassion they rendered to Rocco during his stay. In keeping with Rocco’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday morning at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta with Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Rocco A. DeRocco Sr.

August 16, 1916 - May 20, 2018