Mr. Rocco S. "Rock" Gigliotti

Mr. Rocco Salvatore “Rock” Gigliotti, age 89, passed peacefully Sunday, January 1, 2017 at the Presbyterian Home of Central NY. Born in Utica, Rocco was the son of the late Frank and Antonette (DeCrisi) Gigliotti. He attended T.R. Proctor High School and furthered his studies at Utica College. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Rock honorably served his country from 1946-1948 during World War II stationed in Europe on board the USS Fargo. On July 14, 1951 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church he married the former Alice Lewis. They shared their life and their love until Alice passed away on July 14, 2016, their 65th wedding anniversary. Rocco was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base for over 40 years, the position from which he retired. He also held a part-time position with the Independent Theatrical Employees of America (ITEA) Local #1/Utica. Rock was a member of the American Legion Fort Schuyler Post #290, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) Stars & Stripes Chapter #82, a member of the USS Fargo CL-106 Association, the Moose Lodge, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union local #28. Rocco was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Rocco is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Kathleen Niemenski of Utica, Susan and Bruce Harrison of Oneonta; his son, Frank R. Gigliotti and his partner David A. Schaitberger of San Francisco; and his grandchildren, Daniel and Christina Gigliotti of New Hartford, Caitlin Smith of Oneonta, and Allison Smith of Rochester. He also leaves several nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Rita Gigliotti. He was predeceased by his brother, Felix Gigliotti; his sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Lugo Rastani; and his best friend, Pat DiCesare. The family is grateful to the staff of the Presbyterian Home for Central NY for the compassionate care rendered to Rock during his stay. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to Hope House or Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Rocco’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and 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 by the United States Navy. Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.