GLOUCESTER: Manuel P. “Manny” Rocha, 82, died Monday, February 2, 2015, following an extended illness. He was the husband of Judith S. (Carter) Rocha.
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on November 5, 1932, he was the son of the late Joseph and Rufina (Silva) Rocha. He was a graduate of the Gloucester High School.
Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for over twenty years.
Active in the community, Manny was a member of numerous clubs and organizations. Among his greatest accomplishments was being an organizer for the Friday Night Special Needs Dances at the Gloucester Fraternity Club. This event began over thirty years ago and his dear friend, Leo Francis, still continues the tradition.
A lifelong communicant and active member of the Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, he took an active role in the Portuguese Crowning, an event which was near and dear to his heart.
Above all, family was his greatest joy. He was always there for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Manny will be remembered for his big smile and a kiss and hug for one and all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his wife of fifty-nine years, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Ronda and Rusty Tucker, and Diane Legendre; his son, Manuel P. Rocha, Jr.; three grandchildren, Ronell, wife of Brian Crocker, Rusty, husband of Beth Tucker and Olivia Legendre; four great-grandchildren, Noah and Jacob Crocker and Samantha and Vanessa Tucker; three sisters, Irene Lowe, Mary Mitchell, Mildred, wife of James Ball; two sisters-in-law, Mae Rocha and Francine, wife of Phil Dench; and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his sisters, Sylvia Mitchell and Grace King; and two brothers, Alex and Joseph Rocha; and several nieces and nephews.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning in the Our Lady of Good Voyage Church at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Friday evening in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 5 – 8 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be held privately in the Calvary Cemetery at a later date. Please omit flowers. Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the GFC/Special Needs Dances, c/o Leo Francis, 27 Webster St., Gloucester, MA 01930.