Eugene W.

Pantalone, Jr. "Rocky"

Rocky, age 58 passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 19, 2013 surrounded by his loving wife, son and family. Rocky was born in Wilmington, DE on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1954 to the late Eugene "Gigi" Sr. and Marie E. (DeMasi) Pantalone. Because of Rocky's record weight of 11 lbs. and his father being a big boxing fan of Rocky Marciano he was given the nickname "Rocky", and that is the name he was always referred to as.

Rocky had a heart of gold, a contagious smile and would give you the shirt off his back; and if you didn't need the shirt, Rocky's wit, charm and lively sense of humor were always present regardless of whether you needed a laugh, a great memory, or a "Rock" to lean on in times of distress. As any of Rocky's life-long friends would attest, his generosity, loyalty and ready willingness to sacrifice his own needs and comfort for the benefit of others knew no bounds. Rocky was the living embodiment of someone who, no matter what the circumstances, really did possess a heart of gold. Rocky lettered in football and golf at Sallies and Wilmington High School and graduated from Wilmington High School in 1972. Rocky served in the US Navy from 1972-1975.

Rocky spent his career as a caddy at the Wilmington Country Club for 40 plus years; he caddied in 3 major ladies professional golf tournaments for Cindy Figg-Currier at DuPont Country Club McDonald's LPGA tournament in spring 1994, and went on tour that summer with Cindy for the Jamie Farr Classic and Youngstown Open in Ohio. Throughout Rocky's career at Wilmington Country Club he has caddied for several professional athletes such as Joe Theismann, Charles Barkley and Mike Schmidt just to name a few.

In addition to his parents, Rocky was preceded in death by his brother, Robert "Robby" Pantalone; and his grandparents, Barlami and Josephine (Nepa) Pantalone, and Salvatore and Ida (Edinger) DeMasi. He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Malvestuto-Pantalone; son Jason Pantalone and wife, Kerry Pantalone; and his precious grandchildren who he loved with all his heart, Molly and Joseph Pantalone. Also, his ever faithful and loving dog, Delila who was always by his side. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Carroll; his niece and nephew, Laura and Jay Hawthorne; his uncle, David DeMasi; aunts, Kathy Abbott, Carol Lowicki and Bernice Calloway and their spouses; as well as a host of cousins who have been by his side.

A special thanks to Heartland Hospice, especially to his nurse, Marquist, for the wonderful care given to Rocky.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek on Wednesday, October 23 from 6:00-8:00PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington on Thursday, October 24 at 11:00AM. Interment will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wilmington Veterans Hospital, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19805 or Heartland Hospice, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 102, Newark, DE 19702.

To offer condolences, visit

www.dohertyfh.com

302-999-8277

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News Journal from Oct. 22 to Oct. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Pantalone

14 Entries

Larry M

October 27, 2013

Caddied for several years with both Rocky and Gigi, that was a lot of stories, laughter and smiles.

Scott Woolpert

October 24, 2013

You will be missed and never forgotten, Rock. RIP

Sallyanne McLaughlin

October 24, 2013

So sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. I find it comforting to imagine a joyful reunion between Rocky & Ralph !!!

Mauro Panzera

October 23, 2013

Laura, please receive our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

October 23, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

October 23, 2013

Rock Star,

Hand the God Lord his 4 iron, what's that wind doin? Tell him a saucy joke and enjoy the rest of the round, like you always do.
God speed, Rock, thanks for all the beautiful memories. You are so sorely missed.
Bill Wismer

Christie Colbourne

October 22, 2013

Dear Laura,
I'm really saddened to hear of Rocky's passing. You've been in my thoughts a whole lot lately. My friend we chatted about passed on Oct 3rd as well. Find comfort in the healthy body he's earned and the beautiful place he is.

Your neighbor at 1707 Sycamore

October 22, 2013

Even though we haven't seen each other in years I do remember the days on the golf team at whs rest in peace rocky
Joe b

Thomasine Bianchi

October 22, 2013

What a touching remembrance for a special man! Though we never met you, it's obvious that you were an amazing person, full of love for those around you. Our sincerest condolences to Laura and the rest of the Pantalone family.

Karen Dnish

October 22, 2013

for Rocky - May he rest in peace & prayers for his family.

Cristina Windish

October 22, 2013

“Rocky”, “Uncle Rocky”, “The PIZZA MAN”, “Rock Man”…Thank you for being a great friend & husband to my sister, brother in law to Jeff & I, and an uncle to my girls. We love and will miss you dearly!
Cristina, Jeff, Brianna, & Riley

October 22, 2013

To the "Rock" star and his family.

Rocky first caddied for me in 1971. That was the start of a long relationship of 40 years. What a guy !
Sincere , no pretense, caring and intense--he had these great attributes we all need. My friends from the Roxiticus Golf Club in Mendham NJ got to know Rocky over the last 20 years and they so enjoyed seeing him every year as he regaled us with his stories about the Navy , the Phillies, life's ups and downs, and how it all works out. Most of all --he was a very loving parent, husband and family man---that genuine old school kind of guy we all respect and admire.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. No words can express their loss.
To the Rock Star !!
His friends from the:
Roxiticus Golf Club
Mendham, NJ

Ted Hendrixson

October 22, 2013

Rocky- You will be missed. I rememember many a morning sitting in the caddyshack listening to your stories about the many loops around the WCC and stories from your old navy days.
My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Barb P.

October 22, 2013

When I called him "Rock", it was for a reason. He was my rock to lean on. A rarity in today's world....he knew the meaning of the word "friend". Rocky-you were always there for me through thick and thin and now I can only have faith that you are truly home, at peace, where you belong. Rest in peace, my dear friend...life isn't going to be the same without you!

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