Obituary of Angelo Rocco

On November 22, 1941, God loaned a very special gift to the world, who was named Angelo, by his mother, Veronica Konopka Rocco, and father, Leuman Rocco, both deceased. Born and raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, Angelo remained a resident until December 1999 when he moved to Jefferson, Ohio. He lived out the remainder of his life until September 2, 2021, when this “Special Gifts” loan time was paid in full and God recalled his loan who was surrounded by family, friends, peace and love. After high school, Angelo’s life took on many phases. He married his first precious wife, Monica Barnes, now of Mooresville, North Carolina, and shortly after was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, being involved in heavy combat. After his Honorable Discharge, Angelo returned home and went to work at his last position, before retirement, as a mechanic for The Illuminating Company. When Angelo was not working, his time was spent fulfilling his greatest passion which was running his many beagles and rabbit hunting with his life-long friend, John Paolillo of Ashtabula, Ohio. “Big John”, as Angelo called him, was always the center of Angelo’s conversations of how he admired the strength, knowledge, and compassion John showed towards him and the special bond he felt for his best buddy and friend. On August 25, 2000, Angelo married his present wife, Luann, who resides in Jefferson and who he called “My gal; my love”. It was then she met his brothers, Charles “Chuck” and Ronald “Ronnie” Rocco who both preceded him in death, and their amazing wives: Chuck’s wife, Linda, who resides in Troy. Ohio and Ronnie’s wife, Nancy of Minerva, Ohio. He was especially fond of his nieces Susan Caldwell and Heather Geisler, both of Troy, Ohio and Charles and Linda’s daughters. He often mentioned how proud he was of them and their accomplishments and how beautiful they were the last time he saw them. His words so true and exact. In spite of his divorce, he held a special place in his heart for his ex-sister-in-law, Sandy Crowl of Hickory, North Carolina, who he cherished and held close to his heart. Always concerned about her, her health and well-being, he never forgot to pray for her and was always so elated when they spoke by phone. He had a deep admiration for his brother-in-law, Thomas Martin of Jefferson, because of his knowledge, understanding, and patience especially during Angelo’s illness. Ange often stated how he felt he never had to worry because he knew Tom would always make sure “my gal; may love” was well protected and would be her guide if needed. His greatest moments during his illness were when he saw or heard from his nephew, Michael Crowl, also of Hickory, North Carolina. No one, but no one could ever imagine the joy these visits and calls gave Ange and how much they meant to him. He always called Michael the “Apple of his eye” and the love he had for Michael was beyond measure. Ange could never express enough how deeply he cared concerning Michael’s successes and his family. For many years, Angelo lived a self-centered life. He did a complete change after he gave his life to the Lord. A man of “Self” became a man of caring, sharing, and giving. A man of love and compassion. He and his wife, Luann, shared a new life of Christ centered living which brought joy, love, and peace to the home. It took many years of praying for him but God was faithful and gave the last of Angelo’s years a whole new meaning and a reassurance that God was waiting with open arms for “his loan”, his son, Angelo. Like anyone who loses a loved one, there is a void, a deep sense of loss and the feeling of loneliness, yet for Luann, a deep sense of knowing Angelo’s love for her and others was always present because he never failed to pray for her or to tell her daily, no matter what the circumstance, fishing, boating, in the hospital, or home. He not only prayed nightly for her but many others. Even 4 nights before his passing and was coherent, Ange folded his hands and prayed. A memory to behold. Angelo’s wishes were met as he did not want any calling hours or funeral. He felt if people don’t have time to visit or call, how are they going to find time for viewing or to attend a funeral. He is survived by other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Home now in his God built mansion, I’m sure stopped at Rainbow Bridge to pick up his favorite beagles and his Old English Sheep Dog, Winston. Till we meet again, Angelo, you will never be forgotten but loved for who you were and the man you became. Ducro Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula handled the arrangements. Please leave condolences at Ducro.com