Leon Ronal Rocco's Obituary
Leon Ronal Rocco, 95, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. He was born and raised in Syracuse, son of the late Anna (Garofalo) and Michael Rocco. Leon was a graduate of North High School in Syracuse. He was a U.S. Army veteran, proudly serving his country during WWII, and was Honorably Discharged as Staff Sergeant. Leon was employed in many capacities by Syracuse China. He retired as a Vice President and Plant Manager in its Syracuse location.
Leon was a lifelong member of St. John the Baptist Church. He had many hobbies and interests. Among them were a love of gardening, and his “MacGyver” ability to fix or construct anything. He was an avid SU fan, and a lifelong learner.
Leon was warm and welcoming to all. He loved life, God, his wife of 70 years, his family and friends. He gave generously of his time, energy, knowledge, and love.
Leon touched the lives of everyone he met in a way that you couldn't help but love him. He will be missed more than words can say.
In addition to his parents, Leon was predeceased by his wife, Nina Mary (Paskavietz) Rocco; his brothers, Vincent Rocco, Ralph Rocco, and Michael Rocco, and his son-in-law, Patrick Bilbo.
Leon is survived by his son, Ronal L. (Sonya) Rocco of Cortland; his daughter, Cheryl Ann Bilbo of Liverpool; his brother, Anthony Rocco Sr. of Baldwinsville, and his sister, Anne (John) Palazzoli of Syracuse; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Francis House who treated Leon like a King. The love and kindnesses towards him and our family by the Francis House will never be forgotten.
Family and friends may call from 9:30 – 11:30 am on Monday, April 2, 2018 at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY. A Funeral Mass in celebration of Leon’s life will be held at 12:30 pm in St. John the Baptist Church. Entombment with Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, 4100 E. Genesee St., DeWitt, NY.
Contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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