Rocco Vono's Obituary
On a cool summer morning, surrounded by his family, Rocco Vono died as he lived, with tremendous courage, enviable dignity and a selfless concern for others. He gently left our world on August 9th, 2017, to be reunited with his parents, Maria Caterina and Salvatore, his sister Elena, and his in-laws Salvatore and Giovanna.
Born and raised in Davoli, in the region of Calabria, Italy, he spent his youth tending to his family’s herd of sheep and helping to raise his loving sisters, Vittoria, Lucia, and Barbara; and his cherished brothers and Giuseppe (Barbara) Franco (Gerardina) and Fernando (Elisa). In 1963, he married his partner in this adventure called life, Antonia Procopio, with whom he spent the next 54 years building his greatest legacy. This legacy includes his two daughters, Maria C. Ucchino and Giovanna McCarthy, whom he loved unconditionally. And while we never were able to share his love for his homemade wine and green thumb, we certainly share his love for people, a good book, furry creatures and of course, our Mom.
Through his daughters, he was gifted two caring and dedicated sons-in-law, Robert Ucchino and John McCarthy. And while he doted greatly on all of us, there was not greater love than that he reserved for his grandchildren. A day was not complete without a call or visit from Juliana Ucchino, Robert McCarthy, Monica and Michael Mastriano, Ryan McCarthy and Christian Ucchino. Rounding off the daily visitors to his home were Pico and Akira, who now will have to settle for store-bought treats.
But his love knew no bounds, as he shared his heart and home with his niece and nephews, Barbara Massa, Salvatore and Allesandro Barbieri and their families, who he thought of as his children. He also enjoyed sharing meals, visits to his winter home in Venice, Florida and many a fishing trip with his loving in-laws, Vittorio and Domenica Procopio, and Domenico Procopio and their families. In Italy, along with his brothers and sisters and their beautiful families, he leaves his much-loved in-laws Anna and Antonio Mirarchi, Maria Barbieri and their families. Lastly, he will be greatly missed by his dearest, closest friends, Antonio and Antonietta Ranieri.
Our family would like to thank Dr. William Schreiber, Dr. Joseph Battaglia and his colleagues, the pulmonologists from Upstate Hospital, and all the nurses and doctors of Crouse Hospital 4th floor and ICU, for their skilled, compassionate care of our Dad. A special thanks to Elide Darby for shining her light into our darkest days.
Family and friends may call at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, N.Y. on Tuesday, August 15th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 P.M. with a funeral service in celebration of Rocco’s life on Wednesday, August 16th, at 10:00 AM at St. Rose of Lima Church, in North Syracuse. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Assumption Church Food Pantry, at 808 N Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13208 or the food pantry of your choice.
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