It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Crescenzo Rocca on July 27th, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Sarnia, Ontario. Devoted husband of Giuseppa for 62 years. Loving father of Elio (Mary) Rocca and Emilio (Maria) Rocca. Adored Nonno of Christopher (Marika), Eric (Cassandra), Joseph (Kristine), Carolyn (David), and Michael (Alexandra). Predeceased by his parents, Michele and Emilia Rocca, and his mother and father-in-law Benedetto and Maria Vani. Brother of the late Maria (late Francesco) Maola, the late Matilda (late Lorenzo) DiFolco, Giuseppa (late Giuseppe) Benacquista, late Tommaso (Loretta) Rocca of Canada and Emilio (Elena) Rocca of Italy. Brother-in-law of Filomena (Pasquale) Muscedere, Gina (late Francesco) Rotondi, Rick Vani, and Giovanni (Adriana) Vani. Uncle to many nieces and nephews both in Italy and Canada.
Dad was born in Fontechiari, Province of Frosinone, Italy where he spent most of his childhood working on the land and helping his father and future father-in-law carry railroad ties up the mountains of Italy by mule. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 at the age of 19 to meet with his sister living in Sarnia. Following his arrival, he started to work very quickly as a labourer with Local 1089. It was in Sarnia that he started dating and would marry the love of his life Giuseppa. Together they would raise a family originally on Gordon Street and later on Blackwell Side Road.
Our family was blessed with countless trips, most notably back to Italy in 2006 where his children and grandchildren stayed for two weeks under one roof and celebrated Italy’s World Cup victory. We will never forget his generosity and sense of humour, always waving at the camera and speaking about how fortunate he was, and how proud he was of the entire family.
Dad’s legacy is one of respect, hard work, family gatherings, and meticulous grass cutting. He taught his children and grandchildren to dream and to work hard to accomplish those dreams. He instilled in us the importance of saving for the future always saying, “Be sure to save money for a rainy day.” The successes of our family can be attributed to him, and that is his biggest legacy.
We would like to extend our gratitude locally to Dr. Lilly, Dr. Yoshida, and their respective auxiliary staff. Furthermore, we would like to extend our appreciation to the VON, who made countless home visits, as well as the entire staff and volunteers of both the Palliative Care Unit at Bluewater Health and St. Joseph’s Hospice for their care and compassion.
Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father Dan Vere, will be held at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 1465 Lecaron Ave, Sarnia, on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Live streaming of the service will be available on the Smith Funeral Home website. Entombment in Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice would be appreciated (cheques mailed to the funeral home or made online, please).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Crescenzo Rocca January 18th 1936 July 27th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sarnia, Province: Ontario