Nicholas Joseph Rocco's Obituary
Some things you may know about Nicholas Joseph Rocco: He was born August 6, 1925 in New Jersey to Italian immigrants; Francesco Rocco and Christina Perrillo. He was the third child of six, the first boy. His family moved to San Francisco when he was a teenager. Soon after graduation he joined the army ….. he wasn’t yet 18. He served in the army stationed in the Philippines during WWII.He married Thelma Benjamin on January 23, 1954 and they had their 62nd anniversary just six days before Thelma’s passing. The two of them had three children: Christina Magdaleno, Lawrence Rocco and Dayna Fabry. Seven grandchildren: Adrian Magdaleno, Lauren Napoli, Timothy Rocco, Maggie Rogers, Patrick Fabry, Adam Magdaleno and Lily Fabry. Nine great grandchildren (so far): Gianni, Charlotte, Cecilia, Nora, Rocco, Weston, Abigail, Warner and Maren.He worked for PG&E in his early years of marriage, and then studied and became an electrician and worked for the City of San Francisco for the duration of that career until he retired at 65. He and Thelma had wonderful friends that shared in many of their 33 cruises and camping trips.He is preceded in death by both his parents, his younger brother Joseph Nicholas Rocco, and his two older sisters Madelina West and Philicia Fletcher. He is survived by his two younger sisters Lillian Della Santina and Antoinette Gusti and his own family.He loved to tinker around, cook, read, fix things, travel and garden.Some things you probably do not know about Nicholas Joseph Rocco: He was born Nicola Joseph Rocco. He survived, as many in his Platoon did not, one night in the Philippines when his barracks was bombed at night. He never shot his gun while he served in the Philippines. He was valedictorian of his High School class. He hoped to go to college and become an engineer. He made it home to say goodbye to his father the day he came home from the Military. He lost his youngest and only brother Joseph, who was living with him. Joe was only 19 when he passed. Nick proposed to Thelma 6 months after they met on New Year’s Eve.The last words he spoke to his family was the day they brought him home from the hospital 5 days before he died were “thank you”. His care giver was Lani. She looked after Thelma for 2- 1/2 years and Nick for 3-1/2 years. She was kind and gentle with him and a true friend. A special thanks to Chris and Frank for their many years of looking after our Parents.Nicholas Rocco had the most humble and soft soul. According to his sister Lil “the best man in the whole world”.We will miss you Nick (dad). But have joy in your reunion with Thelma and your Lord God.
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