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Rock Magnotta Obituary
Born in Scranton, he was a son of the late Frederick Sr. and Judith Tomeo Magnotta. He was educated in Scranton schools and was a graduate of West Scranton High School, class of 1977, and also the University of Scranton. Rock spent 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry most recently as senior national director with Astellas Pharmaceuticals.
He was a member of St. Ann's Basilica, West Scranton.
Also surviving are his children, Laura McGarry and husband, Kevin, Lancaster; Leigh and fiancé, William Fennie, Dunmore; Maria, Philadelphia; Rock, Scranton; a grandson, William James Fennie IV; two brothers, Fred Jr. and wife, Joan, Scranton; and Christopher and wife, Kristin and their daughter, Ellie, of Scranton; beloved aunts, Eleanor Matteo, Sue Ann Magnotta and Armeda Magnotta, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and countless friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Basilica, St. Ann's Street, West Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery, West Scranton.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Carl J. Savino Jr. Funeral Home, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Ave. Suite 510, New York, NY 10017.
Those attending the funeral are asked to go directly to church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Bordeaux
April 19, 2017
With wonderful memories from our days at VIVUS and ALZA, I salute Rock. It is too sad for words.
Deanne Price
April 12, 2017
So sad to hear this - my condolences to the family. Sue - I'm truly sorry. Deanne
Richard Grueter
April 10, 2017
I am very sorry for the loss of Rock. I worked with him and Rock had a vibrancy and a larger than life personality. He will definitely be missed.
Sincerely,
Rich Grueter
Shirley Smith
April 10, 2017
Mrs. Magnotta and family, I want to convey my deepest sympathy to you. Rock was truly a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. I had the pleasure in working with him at Astellas. He will be missed.
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Tony Ratchford
April 8, 2017
Sue and the Magnotta family, I am sorry for your loss. About a year ago Rock and I connected after losing touch after we both left Glaxo, and it felt like we didn't skip a beat. We caught on many things and what stuck out in my mind was the love for his family. He was particularly proud of marrying his high school sweetheart, and definitely was a proud father. I can think of so many fond memories working with him, and will always remember him as a humble well grounded guy.... a true class act.
I will be praying for the Magnotta family
Tony Ratchford
Madelyn Roche
April 8, 2017
Sue - I'm at a loss for words. Indeed Rocky was taken far too early. He was truly one of a kind. I will forever remember the fun times we had in DC on 41st Street. Rock lit up a room when he entered, had a contagious laugh, and a heart that was huge and went out to everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children, Fred, Chris and the entire Magnotta Family. Someone said only the good die young, and it is very true in this case. Rock was one of a kind - as my parents would say, "God broke the mold after he made Rock." Much love to you.
Mert Reese
April 7, 2017
Condolences to the Magnotta family.Rest in peace
Steve and Joanne Woodbridge and family
April 7, 2017
Sue, Fred, Chris and families,
We are so saddened by Rock's passing.
Rock was such a wonderful person throughout his life. I have so many good, funny memories of the times we had as kids. Elvis Pressley records, Marx Brothers movies, Digging a pool with "Rocky Horror" blasting in the background. He had a smile and a laugh that just lit you up. And he was a person who was willing to help anyone out in any way possible.
Please know that we are saddened at this time. Also know that he and all of you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jay Wolak
April 7, 2017
To all the Magnotta family,
So sorry for your loss . I can still remember Chris and I walking into the house seeing Rocky cooking with Mom -Mrs. Magnotta like it was yesterday. You all have a great family values and a brotherhood that is tightly bound. Only the good die young . God Bless you Rocky!
James Snyder
April 7, 2017
Sue and family, Our thoughts and prayers for you .
Jim Snyder and family.
Mary Kay Rogers
April 7, 2017
Gone far too soon my friend. I had the pleasure of training with Rock at Glaxo back in 89, and I do mean pleasure. Rock lit up the room when he walked in, always smiling and keeping us laughing with his stories. Our district with Tom Stein, Neal, Keith, Tony and Bolock had great fun. I recall Fred coming to a meeting or two. In the years I worked with Rock, more than anything, I recall how much he truly loved and cherished his family. God's blessings to all of you.
Patti Fowler
April 7, 2017
Sue and family, so very sorry for your unimaginable loss. Keep him in your heart and he will always be with you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Sue Godlewski Stec
April 7, 2017
Sue, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I couldn't believe it when I heard. My heart aches for you and your family. I have fond memories of Rocky going back to high school. You made the perfect couple. I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless Rocky and may he rest in peace. My heart is heavy with sadness.
Al & Dolly Caterino
April 7, 2017
So sorry for your loss,our
prayers are with your family
during this difficult journey.
Maria Montenegro
April 7, 2017
Sue, Leigh and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was such a gentleman. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maria Montenegro Holmes and family.
Mike Cassano
April 7, 2017
Sue, no words can express the sadness that all of us are feeling at this time. Our deepest condolences to you and the family on the sudden passing of Rock. We are all better people as a result of his influence. May the realization in knowing how many friends he has, and the accumulation of prayers for you and the Magnotta family help ease all of you through this very difficult time.
April 7, 2017
Sue, I was so sorry to hear about Rocky. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cindy Pensak
Dayna
April 7, 2017
We are so very sorry for your loss. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and peace,
Dayna & Bryan Cogliser
Tom Donahue
April 7, 2017
Chris, Fred & families,
The loss of a loved and cherished brother and best friend is always difficult, but to happen so suddenly and at such a young age is devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please find comfort in your memories of Rock with family members and friends who all loved him dearly. Tom Donahue & family
April 7, 2017
Dear Sue and Family,
Please know that I am truly saddened with the news of your husband's passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
With love, prayers and friendship,
Kathy Flynn
Bob Fasola
April 7, 2017
My deepest sympathies - I will miss Rock tremendously. He was truly one of the best!
Ellen Coyne
April 7, 2017
Dear Susan and family, I was very sorry to hear about Rock, my deepest sympathy to all.
I regret I cannot make it to the Funeral, I am out of town. Sincerely, Ellen Coyne
Tom Donahue
April 7, 2017
Dear Sue and family, my heart is heavy hearing of the loss of Rock. Words cannot express the pain you must feel. Please know our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. I have so many fond memories of our good times together that makes the pain of his loss more difficult. Tom Donahue & family
Chris & Tim Shean
April 7, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to Freddie and family.
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