Rocco Martoccia, 98, of West Hartford, died peacefully Sunday, (February 26, 2017) at Hughes Health and Rehabilitation. He was born December 9, 1918, in Laurenzana, Italy. He was the son of the late Nicola and Rosina (Montana) Martoccia and was predeceased in 2007 by his dear wife Antonetta. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Nick and Therese Martoccia of Hartford and a daughter and son-in-law, Roseann and Dainis Martoccia Grabazs of Belchertown, MA. His four grandchildren were his pride and joy; Joseph Martoccia, Julia and Angela Martoccia Grabazs and Ada Martoccia Platt along with her husband Tim and two great grandchildren, Nathanel and Andreas. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, and cousins in the United States and Italy. Rocco was a veteran of the Italian Army, serving in World War II for five years. He came from a family of eight siblings and moved to the United States from Italy in 1955. He lived with his sister Theresa in NYC before moving to Hartford, CT to live with Uncle Rocco. He was joined in the United States by Antonetta and Nick in 1958. He had a long and enjoyable career with the Town of West Hartford, Department of Public Works. He was a quiet man who never complained. His words were always wise and worth a close listen. He enjoyed singing around the house, playing practical jokes and the laughter that followed. Rocco loved being outside, gardening, tending to his roses, fruit trees and summer vegetables, foraging for mushrooms, making wine and taking long walks with his dogs Lucky 1 and Lucky 2. Most of all, he enjoyed entertaining family and friends at home. He was a strong man, the hardest of workers, and grateful for everything he was able to provide to his family. Rocco lived on his own until he moved to Hughes in 2012. The family extends their appreciation for the excellent care he received from the entire team. The staff at Hughes affectionately called him “the Rock” for his fortitude and unwavering strength. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends for all he gave us in life. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.
Calling hours are Sunday, (March 5), from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, (March 6), at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Hartford. Everyone is requested to meet at the Church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.