Rocco J Celebrezze

Rocco James Celebrezze, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born to the late August F. and Eleanor Demitro Celebrezze on February 13, 1942, Rocco lived a life marked by deep faith, devotion to family, and service to others.
A proud graduate of St. Thomas Seminary High School, Class of 1959, Rocco went on to earn his undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in 1964 and his law degree from the University of Louisville School of Law in 1967. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Dixie Ann (Gottbrath), and together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Rocco practiced law for 46 years, earning the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of his clients for his caring, compassionate nature and strong sense of integrity. He was so proud of his Italian heritage and was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor, Rocco brought laughter and warmth to all who knew him.
A devout Catholic, Rocco's faith guided every aspect of his life. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Louisville Cardinals, the Cleveland Indians, and the Cleveland Browns, was a Kentucky Colonel, and past president of Southwest Louisville Rotary Club. Yet his greatest joy came from time spent with his family-whether cheering at games, enjoying family trips, or gathering for cherished Labor Day picnics filled with love and laughter.
In addition to his parents, Rocco was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Duckworth and her first husband, Bill Rolfes and her second husband, Charles Duckworth; brothers-in-law Joseph Dosch and Chris Zeitz; nieces Jennifer Dosch and Julie Taylor; and nephew Michael Zeitz.
He is survived by his devoted wife Dixie Ann Celebrezze; sister Janet Dosch; sisters-in-law Mary Nell Zeitz and Geri Gottbrath; brother-in-law Richard Gottbrath (Molli); beloved children Cynthia A. Smythe (Dale) and Gregory A. Celebrezze (Kristi); grandchildren Rocky (Leanne), Gabrielle, and Olivia Celebrezze, and Alex, Ethan, and Elizabeth Smythe; great-grandchildren Aria and Haven Calderon; and 15 nieces and nephews, all of whom he dearly loved.
Special thanks to Amedisys Home Health Care, the staff, nurses, and aides at Dominion Senior Living, and Hosparus Health of Louisville.
Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home East Louisville, 12900 Shelbyville Rd 40243. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Monday, November 17, 2025 at Epiphany Catholic Church 914 Old Harrods Creek Rd. 40223.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Epiphany Catholic Church or Hosparus Health of Louisville.