Mr Rocco P. "Rock" DiNardi

Mr. Rocco P. “Rock” DiNardi, age 89, of North Utica, went home to meet Jesus on Thursday, December 17, 2015 as he passed away at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center in Guilderland, NY, with his daughter by his side after a brief illness. Born in Utica on April 18, 1926, Rocco was the son of the late Rocco and Louise DiNardi. He attended T.R. Proctor High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army. On November 22, 1962 he married the love of his life, the former Catherine “K” Magee with whom he shared 42 years. Kay passed away on August 9, 2005. Rock began his working career as a Firefighter with the Utica Fire Department. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service first as a Parcel Post driver and then later following in his father’s footsteps as a mail carrier. He was a hard-working man who knew no bounds in carrying out his duties on the job. Along with the mail, he left a legacy of dependability and courtesy to the people on his route. Rock was the recipient of numerous awards for excellence from the US Postal Service and was a longtime member of the National Association of Letter Carriers. He retired in 1990. The proudest part of his life was being a Dad. He was a quiet, gentle man who held his family and friendships close to his heart. As a member of the Greatest Generation, he appreciated and held true his old-school values. During his leisure time, Rock was an avid golfer; frequenting the fairways of Valley View and a member of the North Utica Senior Center where he often could be found playing pool or a game of poker. After moving from North Utica in 2012, he returned frequently to grocery shop, have coffee with his friends and lunch at his favorite pizzeria Franco’s. He was a good family man who honored his wife, adored his daughter, and kept them close to his heart all the days of his life. He was devout Catholic who adorned Jesus, the Saints, and the Infant of Prague and often participated in weekly bible study at Acacia Village. Rocco is survived by his daughter, Louise Ann “Lou Ann” DiNardi (Greg) of Rotterdam; and his sister, Elizabeth Burton of Marcy. He will also be held in the hearts of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins who reside in Canada, and in-laws, Suzanne D’Amore, and James and Rosanne Magee. He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Lawrence Russo; his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Marion DiNardi; and his in-laws, Harold Burton, Thomas W. Magee, William “Billy” Magee, Robert “Bob” Magee, Dorothy V. and Pasquale DeSantis, Mary Jane and Vernon Brewer, Joseph D. “Howdy” D’Amore, and Shirley Fontaine. The family extends sincere thanks to Lori from Acacia Home Care and to the staff of the Lourdes Unit at Our Lady of Mercy in Guilderland, NY who were amazing in their ability to share time and compassion, and to all who assisted in Rock’s care, especially Lita, Dee, and Nicole. In keeping with Rocco’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rock’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence Monday afternoon at 1:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. John Buehler. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; envelopes will be available at the church service. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr Rocco P. "Rock" DiNardi

April 18, 1926 - December 17, 2015