Mrs. Orietta M. "Orrie" (Ciacci) Rocci

December 28, 1927 - August 9, 2020

UTICA - Mrs. Orietta M. “Orrie” (Ciacci) Rocci, age 92, was born December 28, 1927 in the town of Grosseto in the Tuscany region of Italy, and passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020. She was the wife of Alfred J. Rocci who preceded her in death in 2008. Orietta’s father, Giovanni Carlo was an Army Captain and her mother, Marina was a housewife and a seamstress. Like most people in East Utica, she was an immigrant. Orrie was driven and brave, so in the late 1940’s she set out to find a better life and a new home — she came to America. She taught herself English while being “the Contessa” on an Italian/English radio show, here in Utica. She worked hard and became a citizen, something she cherished till her death. She was a card-carrying member of the “Daughters of the American Revolution” until she died. She didn’t win an Oscar or an Emmy, but she did win with all her best friends and two sisters-in-law, Mary and Marie, bringing home golf trophies, bowling in bowling leagues, and relishing the time she spent with her “sisters”. She did have a very special place in her heart for her card-playing buddy, her brothers-in-law, Mario, and the late Alphonse who were more like brothers to her. As Orrie’s family, we were blessed to have a mother who was self- sacrificing, tough, non-judgmental, considerate, kind, and oh so funny! Of course, with that came witticisms, sayings, and advice, wanted or otherwise. “Not all the hooks in the tool shed”?! or “Sharp as cheese”?! We would laugh our heads off at the massacre of words and the jargon of the day. But the best and the favorite was “Call me when you get home...not in the driveway or front hall, but inside where you’re safe”! And believe me, we all made that call twice. This was our mother, fearless and strong. I see these traits in her 4 children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Our mother’s passing will forever leave a void that is hard to explain, however, she also leaves a legacy. Anyone who knew our mother loved her and they would tell us time and time again. She says goodbye to all her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews — you were her family. She loved you dearly. We say goodbye to her for now, knowing she is us, and we are her. So, bye-bye Ma, you’re going on a trip of a lifetime — call us when you get home! Love, Arian, Jay, and Austen Alfred, Lisa, Marissa, Dave, Matthew, Meghan, and Nicky and Alexander Natalie, Rich, Michael, Britany Ana, Tyne, and John. The family will honor and commemorate Orrie’s life at a private time. In Orrie’s memory, please honor the expression of “paying it forward”, and do a good or kind deed for someone in need. One of the greatest gifts a child can give a mother is to care for them like no one else can, so Arian, as our sister, we thank you, for taking such good care of Mom when she needed it most. Please take a moment to connect with Orrie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support. Affectionately written by her family.