John Anthony Rocca, age 96 of Ironton, passed away on November 28, 2025 at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center on Crosby. He was born on July 6, 1929 in Crosby to Vincenzo and Michelina (Talaricio) Rocca.
John was a retired manager and accountant for Zontelli Brothers and Pittsburg Pacific Mining Companies, Scorpion Inc., Artic Enterprises and Cuyuna Engines Inc. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
He was a local farmer famous for his sweet corn and beef cattle operation. He was an avid outdoorsman, with love to hunt, fish and garden. John regularly hosted morning coffee at home.
John is survived by two sons, John E. (Carol) Rocca of Diamond Springs, CA and Robert (Julie) Rocca of Maple Grove; two daughters, Nancy (Eric) Sundgaard of Ironton and Lisa (Craig) Johnson of Alexandria; one sister, Angeline Cronk of St. Paul; ten grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.
Preceding John in death are his parents; his wife, Helen in 1991; two brothers, Frank and James Rocca; seven sisters, Mary Fitch, Ritha Rocca Glass, Santina Rocca, Rose Rocca, Virginia Zarr, Bernice Woods and Joann Bordwell.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m. and also one hour prior to the service at the church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
32 East Main St., Crosby, MN 56441

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