Filomena “Phyllis” (Cataldo) Rocco, of Medford, died Tuesday at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She was 89.
Born in Chiusano San Domenico, Avellino, Italy, she was the daughter of the late (Luigi) and the late Clorinda (Figacello) Cataldo. As a child she came to the United States, settling in East Boston, where she lived until coming to Medford almost 60 years ago. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Phyllis had a strong work ethic. A candy maker for the former Schraffts Candies and Duran’s Confectionary, Phyllis worked 30 years in the Dining Services Dept. at Tufts University. Phyllis was a member of the Massachusetts Association for the Blind as well as a member of the Medford Senior Citizens Center.
The beloved wife of the late Antonio Rocco, she was a devoted mother to Anthony Rocco and his wife Deborah of Tewksbury, Linda Rocco of Medford, Louis Rocco and his wife Hertha of Medford. Loving grandmother of Michael, Alicia, Louis Jr., Janell and Nicholas. She was a dear sister to Jeannette Abbott, Gloria Driver and the late Mary D’Avella.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday, March 26th at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 2 - 6 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Phyllis’ name to Massachusetts Association for the Blind, 200 Ivy St. Brookline MA. 02144, www.MABCommunity.org. To leave a message of condolence www.dellorusso.net