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Rocco Vitale Obituary
ROCCO VITALE
AGE: 90 BRICK
Rocco Vitale, 90, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, at Ocean Medical Center near his home in Brick. Mr. Vitale was born Aug. 1, 1920 in Brooklyn. He was one of seven children born to the late Michael Vito Vitale and Henrietta (Della Valle). From the mid-1950's until his retirement in 1985, Mr. Vitale held jobs delivering fuel oil during the winter and selling ice cream in the summer from his well-known "Peter Pan" truck. His summer route encompassed the Flatbush and East Flatbush sections of Brooklyn, where Mr. Vitale was beloved by generations of children and their families as "Rocky the Ice Cream Man".
Mr. Vitale was the devoted husband of Angela (Occhiogrosso) for over 65 years. In addition to his wife, Mr. Vitale is survived by sisters, Dolly Polito of Toms River, and Clara Padavano of Long Island; four daughters, Jeanne Lupia of Medford N.Y., Marie Gammello of Howell, Nancy Calcagno of Staten Island, N.Y., and Barbara Reich of Sea Bright; a son, Rock Vitale of Berwyn, Pa.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Mr. Vitale is preceded in death by his daughter, Donna; his brothers, Frank, Victor and Louis; and his sister, Antonette Blando.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 and Monday, Aug. 30 at Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88, Brick. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31 at The Church of The Epiphany, Brick. Entombment will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rocco Vitale
Chris McMillan
August 29, 2010
My deepest condolences to "Rocky's" family. He was such an important part of our summers in East Flatbush. Thank you Rocky for the ice cream, the jokes, the wonderful memories.
Toni Fogliano
August 29, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Rocco was a wonderful person and we enjoyed the opportunity we had to know and love his entire family when they came to our restaurant. Please know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Toni and Rick Fogliano, Shore Good restaurant, Brick, New Jersey.
Arline/Michael Karp
August 28, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 28, 2010
my heartfelt sympathy go out to the whole family. i know he will be surely missed by all. love to all. aunt clara padovano
Marianna & Nicoletta Iaccarino
August 27, 2010
In this sorrowful time of Mr. Vitale's passing, our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Carol Wagner
August 27, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family of Rocky. I was one of the many kids who was so happy to see the Peter Pan truck and Rocky's great smile.
Margaret Masella (Raimondi)
August 27, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. My mom and dad truly valued the friendship they had with you while you were neighbors.
Esther & Raul Rodriguez
August 27, 2010
Our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your family patriarch.
Bobby Polito
August 27, 2010
I will always fondly remember the old days, when I was a kid, getting into trouble at your house, playing with all those " girls ", and feeling warm and safe. I also remember the ice cream days, seeing everyone in the mornings, having coffee at the corner store. You will be missed, but the memories will keep you alive in our hearts.
Joann Blando Shivers
August 27, 2010
My heart is sad. i loved my Uncle Rocco. Of course my fondest memory (as I'm sure is everyone else's) is the removal of his finger. It is a memory that stays for a lifetime. He was a kind, loving and funny man. He was a very big part of my upbringing. My mother (his sister) loved him dearly. My father was also very close to him. My love and sympathy goes out to all the family and friends of Uncle Rocco. May he rest in peace and be embraced by the angels of Heaven. I know my Mom and his brothers will be waiting open arms. My love to all and may God bless.
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