Rocco J. "Rocky" Carzo

Mr. Rocco J. “Rocky” Carzo, of North Utica, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12, 2010 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family by his side. His passing occurred after a courageous 15-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Born in Utica, Rocco was the son of the late Rocco and Carmella (Tripepi) Carzo. Raised and educated locally, he was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and pursued academic studies at Utica College. A veteran of post-World War II and the Korean Conflict, Rocky enlisted in the military upon graduation from high school. On May 25, 1985 he married the former Sandra “Sandy” Rastani. Together they were blessed with many years of great happiness and shared a mutual devotion. Rocco and Sandra celebrated their 20th anniversary with a trip to Italy which left them with many cherished memories. During his long illness, Sandra was his constant and sole caregiver. The couple would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. Rocky was employed by the Federal Government during his career at the Griffiss Air Force Base, Contracting Division. He began as a purchasing agent and was later promoted to Unit Chief. During his employment, he accepted a position at the Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Missouri as a contractor specialist in the procurement of communication systems. He later returned to Griffiss where he ultimately held the position of Branch Chief and contracting officer, retiring in 1985. Rocky was an avid golfer. As a member of the Valley View Golf Course he enjoyed many rounds of golf with his friends as well as many winter trips to Florida with his golf buddies. Rocky will be sadly missed by his lifetime friends, Al Mallozzi, and Frank Liuzzi… the three were commonly referred to as “The Three Musketeers”. Rocky is survived by his wife, Sandra; and his daughter and son-in-law, Kim Marie and Michael Doyle. Rocky loved his daughter dearly and was always there for her, from her birth to his passing. He also leaves his step-son, Michael and Jean Garro; his step-daughter, Lauren and Stephen Brown; his grandchildren, Jerrod and Stephanie Macko, Anna Garro, and Ava Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Samantha Macko, and Katie Marie Macko. Survivors also include his sister, Connie Calo; his nieces and nephews, with special mention of Carm and Dan Vanno, Joseph and Fran LaPaglia, Carol and Phil Scampone, and Jim and Katie LaPaglia; great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; his father-in-law, John L. Rastani; in-laws, Arlene and Russell Ogden, Judy and Bill Kleine, and Cindy and Brian Ure. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph and Helen Carzo, Frank and Helen Carzo, and Dominick Carzo; his sisters and brother-in-law, Catherine and Joseph LaPaglia, and Frances Gdowski; a special nephew, Rocco Carzo; mother-in-law, Edith Rastani; and brother-in-law, Alexander Calo. The family offers special thanks to Dr. Mathew Ulahannan, Dr. Atul Butala, Dr. Gilbert Lawrence, Dr. Ankesh Nigham, Dr. Kenneth Murphy, and the physicians and nurses in the ICU at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center. A very special thank you is extended to Michael Garro, Stephen Brown, Al Malozzi, Michael Doyle and Dan and Carm Vanno for their unending love and concern. They all assisted Rocco and his family with much care, especially with the many trips provided to Albany Medical Center. In keeping with Rocco’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rocco’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on FRIDAY at 12:00 noon at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the Mass. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Rocco’s honor to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation; envelopes will be available at the service. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum with Military Honors conferred.