Dr. Angelo G. Rocco

Dr. Angelo Gregory Rocco, MD

July 17, 1925 – March 16, 2026

Dr. Angelo Gregory Rocco, MD, 100, passed away peacefully in the company of his family on March 16, 2026, in Stoughton, MA. He was born on July 17, 1925, in Lawrence, MA, the oldest child of Angelo Gabriel and Antonetta Rocco, and spent much of his life in Exeter, NH, which he considered home.

A Life Devoted to Medicine

A distinguished physician and scholar, Dr. Rocco earned his BA in Chemistry from Boston University (1945), his MS in Chemistry from the University of Michigan (1946), and his MD from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1950. He began his career as a National Institutes of Health Fellow at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, laying the groundwork for a career that would span more than six decades and touch countless lives.

Dr. Rocco served as Chief of Anesthesiology and President of the Staff at Exeter Hospital, Director of the Pain Treatment Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Chief of Anesthesia at the West Roxbury VA Hospital, and as an anesthesiologist at Harvard-Vanguard Medical Center. He also served as a Visiting Scientist at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. A diplomate of both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Anesthesiologists, Dr. Rocco authored more than 50 articles in professional journals over the course of his career. He was especially proud of a journal article published alongside his grandson, Rafael, in 2014.

Faithful Service to Country

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Dr. Rocco served as a Captain in a MASH unit during the Korean War. His courage and dedication in the field were recognized with the Combat Medical Badge, three Battle Stars, and a Bronze Star. In later years, he had the honor of participating in an Honor Flight for those who served.

A Man of Deep Faith and Community

Devout in his Catholic faith, Dr. Rocco was a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and a Third and Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a beloved parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church in Exeter, NH, and St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach, FL. Dr. Rocco gave generously of his time and talent in service to others, volunteering as Director of The American Lung Association in Concord, NH, and as a long-time volunteer at Exceptional Citizens Week at Camp Fatima in Gilmanton Iron Works, NH.

A Devoted Husband and Father

Dr. Rocco and the love of his life, Celia, built a home that was always full - of children, of grandchildren, of friends gathered around a table. Together they raised six children, and Dr. Rocco poured into each of them the same qualities that defined his life - discipline, curiosity, faith, and an unshakeable commitment to others. He was a constant and steady presence, the kind of father whose example spoke as loudly as his words. He and Celia loved nothing more than entertaining those they cared about and cherished cross-country family adventures in their converted coach bus. He and Celia were married for nearly 72 years, and her passing preceded his own - a love story that lasted a lifetime.

A Life Fully Lived

Outside of medicine and service, Dr. Rocco lived with great joy and vigor. An avid hiker, he climbed Mt. Rainier twice, completed all of the 4,000-footers in New England, and - in a testament to his remarkable vitality - hiked the Grand Canyon at the age of 85. He enjoyed working out, reading, and completing complex puzzles. He treasured his home in Hillsboro Beach, FL, and his daily walks along the shore to Hillsboro Lighthouse.

Beloved by Many

Dr. Rocco is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, A. Gregory and Margaret Rocco, and their children Gabriel and Melanie; his daughter and son-in-law, JulieAnn and Rafael Jaimes, and their children Rafael (Christina Molinski), Analicia (Brian Roeser), Luis Angelo, Adriana (Jorge Escobedo), Jonathan (Heidi Darcy), and Angela Julie (Juan Pimentel); his son, Paul Rocco; his son and daughter-in-law, Todd Rocco and Maura Dartley-Rocco, and their daughters Caitríona and Céire; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Rocco and Luz Elena Borrero, and their daughter Mariana; and his son, Andrew M. Rocco, and his children Drew (Briana Appolloni), Tina (Sydni Carpenter), and Tony, and their mother, Jeanie Chinzi Rocco.

Dr. Rocco is also survived by thirteen cherished great-grandchildren; his brother, Gregory Rocco; his sister, Evelyn Small; his sister-in-law, Theresa Murchie; his brother-in-law, Gerald Murchie; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is further survived by his and his wife, Celia's, devoted caregivers, Sandra McFarlane and Maria Williams-Grindley, whose compassionate care meant so much to their family.

Dr. Rocco was predeceased by his loving wife of nearly 72 years, Celia Caprio Rocco, as well as his parents; his brother-in-law, Chet Small; his sister-in-law, Claire Rocco; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Mavrikis; and his brother-in-law, Vito Caprio.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Church, 9 Lincoln St., Exeter, NH.

Burial with military honor will follow in the Exeter Cemetery, Exeter, NH

Flowers are acceptable.