Celia C. Rocco

Celia C. Rocco, 97, of Hillsboro Beach, FL, passed away peacefully in the company of her family on March 22, 2025. She was born on May 27, 1927, in Portland, ME, the oldest child of Alfred and Julia Caprio.
Celia grew up in Nashua, NH, and was one of four children in her family. She was a proud graduate of Nashua High School, and later attended both St. Joseph College, Emmanuel College, and the University of New Hampshire. It was through the close-knit ties of their families who were neighbors in Seabrook Beach, that Celia met the love of her life, Dr. Angelo G. Rocco. The two were introduced by their parents, and it wasn't long before their love blossomed. They married on April 20, 1953, and lived in both Boston and Natick before settling in Exeter, NH in 1959.
In her early years, Celia dedicated herself to being a devoted homemaker for her husband and children. She found joy in caring for her family, playing the organ at St. Michael Church in Exeter on weekends, and helping with her husband's medical practice, where she managed his bookkeeping. Angelo, an anesthesiologist, worked at Exeter Hospital and also treated private patients at their home.
At the age of 50, Celia made the courageous decision to return to college, earning her BA in music from the University of New Hampshire. This achievement marked the beginning of her dream career as an organist and choir member. Celia played the organ for numerous churches, including St. Michael Church in Exeter, St. Patrick Church on Hampton Beach, and several other local parishes as well as for the Parish of St Paul the Apostle in Lighthouse Point, Florida. She enjoyed spending winters in Hillsboro Beach, Florida, where she and Angelo made their seasonal home beginning in 1987. Celia retired from playing the organ at 92 years old, after an inspiring and passionate career in music.
A longtime, devoted communicant of St. Michael Church, Celia was deeply involved in her faith and community. She was also a respected member of the American Guild of Organists and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, where she held the distinguished title of Lady Knight.
Above all, Celia's life was centered around her family. She found immense joy in cooking for her loved ones, especially preparing her signature lasagna, and always made sure her grandchildren were welcomed with biscotti and pizzelle when they visited. Celia was known for her warm hospitality, and her home was often the gathering place for family celebrations and parties. Celia and Angelo greatly enjoyed participating in celebrations at Opal Towers in Hillsboro, always dressing in the theme of the party.
Celia is survived by her loving husband of almost 72 years, Dr. Angelo G. Rocco, MD, son and daughter-in-law, A.Gregory and Margaret Rocco and their children Gabriel and Melanie Rocco., 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 Pimental); son, Paul Rocco; son and daughter-in-law, Todd Rocco and Maura Dartley-Rocco and their daughters Caitríona and Céire Rocco,; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Rocco and LuzElena Borrero and their daughter Mariana Rocco; son, Andrew M. Rocco and his children Drew (Briana Appolloni), Tina (Sydni Carpenter), and Tony Rocco and their mother, Jeanie Chinzi Rocco. Celia is also survived by 12 cherished great-grandchildren, her sister and brother-in-law, Gerald and Theresa Murchie, brother-in-law, Gregory Rocco, sister-in-law, Evelyn Small and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Phyllis Mavrikis, and her brother, Vito Caprio, brother-in-law Chet Small and sister-in-law Claire Rocco.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 14 Pine St., Exeter, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Church, 9 Lincoln St., Exeter, NH. Burial will follow in the Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Celia's memory to Catholic Charities.
May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and music she so beautifully shared throughout her life.