Christopher Rocca

1951 - 2025

Christopher "Chris" Rocca, 74, of Concord, N.C., formerly of Port Chester, N.Y., died peacefully on November 11, 2025.

Born July 5, 1951, in Port Chester, he was the son of the late Bill and Eleanor Rocca. A graduate of Archbishop Stepinac High School (1969) and Georgetown University (1973), Mr. Rocca developed an early passion for Model United Nations. In 1974, he and two colleagues co-founded what would become the National High School Model United Nations program, which continues today.

From 1974 to 2001, Mr. Rocca owned and operated Tarry Lodge Restaurant in Port Chester and was active in local Republican politics and civic affairs. After relocating to North Carolina in 2001, he began a second career as a social studies teacher and speech and debate coach at North Mecklenburg High School, where he taught until retiring in 2022. He was known as a dedicated educator who inspired, challenged, and supported countless students.

Mr. Rocca is survived by his wife of 46 years, Patricia; four children, Kate (James Landis), Carol (Adam Rollin), Kendra (Richard Henderson), and Chris (Marissa Jaros); seven grandchildren, Mathew, Anora, Ivy, Leora, Jacob, Stephen, and Justin; and his sister, Denise Jachelski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eleanor Rocca; and his brother, Bill Rocca.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1 p.m., in the North Mecklenburg High School Auditorium. All who wish to share memories are welcome.