Joseph Rocco, Jr. age 99, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 30, 2022 at Greenwich Hospital after a short illness.
Joe was born on June 29, 1923 at his family’s home on Brook Street in Eastchester, NY.
He was the fourth son of Giuseppe and Filomena Rocco who immigrated from Italy. He had 9 siblings whom he loved dearly.
He attended Eastchester schools and worked with his father and brothers until he was drafted into the US Army during World War II. He was assigned to Carmarthen, Wales for an experimental operation leading up to the D-Day invasion. His unit constructed and serviced an evacuation station hospital crucial in caring for the support, supply and rear areas of the expeditionary forces landing in France. While serving there he met the love of his life, Florence Joan Treharne. They were married on October 18, 1944 at St. Peter’s Church, Carmarthen.
Following the war they returned to the U.S. and settled in Bronxville, NY, not far from Joe’s family. His strength, mechanical ability and proficiency at learning quickly lead him to become a building superintendent and the go-to guy for whatever needed fixing. He was cost-conscious and honest when it came to working with vendors and contractors, proactive when it came to heading off problems and gained the respect of landlords, other superintendents and all the tenants he served.
When young, Joe was an avid hunter who owned several beagles through the years for their companionship and great hunting skills for rabbit and small game. He was a devoted father to his two sons, Bob and Gary and although his job required 24/7 commitment, he spent time having fun with his family at Sprout Lake Beach and later at his property in Continental Village.
Over the years the family took several vacations to Florida and Joe and Joan fell in love with the beauty of the Sunshine State. In the 1970’s they purchased a home in Silver Springs Shores, Ocala, FL as their vacation/retirement home. They truly enjoyed life in Ocala and the community in which they lived, making many close friends. In 1985 they fully retired to their piece of paradise and lived there for 28 years. Joe loved spending time at the clubhouse pool and visiting with neighbors. He and Joan liked to garden and create a happy refuge to share with friends and family.
Joe cherished his family more than anything. He and Joan were married for almost 75 years when she passed away on April 23, 2019. His sons meant the world to him, Bob (wife/Donna) who provided so much support to him in his later years and Gary (wife/Kathie) who cared deeply for him.
Spending time with his grandchildren, Craig and Allison brought him so much happiness. He visited with them several times a year, as he was living in Florida when they were young. Joe and Joan took the grandkids to Disney World and spent holidays and special celebrations with them in Connecticut.
Joe’s kindness and friendly attitude were appreciated by all he met. One of his neighbors wrote that even at age 99 she would often see him walking around the park area where they lived “he was so friendly & said hi to everyone. Always asked about my mother. He had a great smile…Joe will be deeply missed. A true friend and genuine guy.” That says it all.
Joe was predeceased by his devoted wife, Joan and two infant children, Janet and Joseph III who died tragically in the 1940’s due to illness. In addition to his sons and grandchildren mentioned above, he is survived by his sisters Lillian Baldino, Mary Surace, Anna Girasoli and Elizabeth DeLuigi; brother Arthur Rocco; and many nieces and nephews.
To honor his life, family and friends will gather at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT for a memorial service on Thursday, August 18, from 11 am- 1 pm. Interment will be held privately at a later date.
