Samuel Joseph Rocco, of Medford, and formerly of Boston’s West End, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, November 15th at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was 96.
Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Franceso and Angiolina (Vadaro) Ruocco and attended local schools. After graduating from high school in 1939, Samuel enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country during WWII. Following his honorable discharge he married his wife Ann in October of 1944 at St. Mary’s Church in Boston’s North End. Together they built their family with love and devotion.
Until retirement, Samuel worked for the City of Boston as a Housing Inspector. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to the casino, both Foxwoods and Twin River. He also enjoyed the occasional scratch ticket here and there. Samuel was famous for forwarding joke e-mails to his family and friends. He loved using e-mail and staying connected with others. Each year he always grew various vegetables in his garden and enjoyed quiet evenings at home watching cow-boy movies and old westerns. Samuel loved children and would always collect lollipops, so that he could pass them out to his nieces, nephews and the neighborhood children.
He was the beloved husband of the late Antoinette “Ann” (Toto) Rocco, who passed away in 2007. The two shared 63 loving years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Judy St. John of Medford and loving brother of Pasquale “Pat” Ruocco and his late wife Chickie of Falmouth. Samuel was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Ruocco, Joseph Rocco, Carmella Grassia, Ursula Pino and Rico Ruocco. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Tuesday, November 21st at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with interment and military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Samuel’s name may be sent to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave, Waltham, MA 02451.