Rocco A. Cerretto

Rocco A. Cerretto
After an amazing 102 years, our dearly loved Father, Rocco A. Cerretto, aka "Rocky" passed peacefully on February 8, 2025. Predeceased by: parents Rocco and Clara Cerretto, beloved wife Josephine Basile Cerretto (his princess), siblings: Grace (Anthony) Gambino, Lucy (John) DePasquale, Mike (Joyce) Cerretto, Dolly (John) Guerriero, Anne (Moe) Pannoni, and sister-in law Margaret Cerretto. Sister-in-laws: Jennie (Sam) Perno, Helen (Mario) Fantone, Marie (Phil) Lagana, Brother-in-laws: Carl (Rose) Basile and Ray Basile. Nephews: Father Michael Cerretto, CSB, John Guerriero, Rick Race, James (Jasmine) Fantone and Joseph Caruso. Nieces: Mary Jane Cerretto Rowley, Rosemary (Fred) Brognia, Great-nieces: Patti Fantone Ventura, Lisa Caruso and Great-Nephews Dan Richards and Hunter Duffy.
Survived by: devoted daughters, MaryJo (John) Provenzano and Kathy (David) DeRisio; cherished grandchildren: Daniel Provenzano, Jana (Bil) DeAscentiis, Michael (Courtney) DeRisio and Nicholas (Kelli) DeRisio, his treasured Great-Grandchildren: Lola, Ruby and Marco DeAscentiis, Stella, Attie, Cooper DeRisio, Luca and Aiden DeRisio. Brother: Tony(Viola) Cerretto and many many nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and nephews. Rocky is also survived by his devoted companion Carol Capezzuto and her family especially Eric, Otto and Kurt Harnischfeger, and Patty Capezzuto.
Born and raised on Prospect Street in the 11th ward, Rocky attended Saint Lucy's School and Madison HS. During the Depression, he joined the Civil Conservation Corps to send money home to his family. He met the love of his life, Josie, in 1941. A blind date, he checked her out as she worked as a "soda jerk" at the Five & Dime. They married in 1943. When WW II began he enlisted in the US army. He was a member of the 69th Signal Battalion. Landed in England, took a boat to Normandy, France. The war took him through northern France and Germany, where he participated in liberating Dachau Concentration Camp.
Rocky was a proud WWII D-Day II survivor. He was awarded the Bronze star for courage and fortitude. In 2013 he was awarded the Insignia of Chevailer of the Legion of Honor by the President of the French Republic. Losing his hearing during the war he was classified as a disabled Vet.
Rocky was always quick to help others. Helping family and friends start businesses. Driving many to chemo treatments, bringing them coffee each morning, dropping off bagels. If you needed something, he'd make it happen. He was the "Go to Guy"!
Rocky was a proud grandfather and great grandfather. He'd be there to cheer them on at their sporting events, and always encouraged them in their future endeavors, whether it be education, sports, or the theatre. He wanted to know everything they were interested in and always had multiple questions for them. He even visited his grandkids at college – taking them and their friends out to dinner. Family was everything to Rocky.
Rocky loved playing cards, mainly Poker and Gin, almost every day since he retired at age 54. He has many card playing friends to this day – of course, all much younger than him now. He also loved to golf.
Rocky became a mentor and friend to many leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his VA caregivers: Celeste and Penny as well as his Aide Maureen. They truly became his extended family and made a difference in the quality of his life.
No prior calling. Rocky's Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, 10 AM at St. Jerome's Church, 207 Garfield Street, East Rochester. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers consider donations to Veterans Outreach Program or Wounded Warrior Project
"Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone"