Lewis Eugene Roccaforte

1929 - 2023

Lewis Eugene Roccaforte
Born: December 5, 1929
Died: September 26, 2023
Lewis Eugene Roccaforte, 93, formerly of Cary, Illinois, was welcomed into his eternal home on September 26, 2023, after a brief stay at Wauconda Care and several years at Azpira Place in Lake Zurich, IL.
Lew was born in Omaha, Nebraska on December 5, 1929, one of three children born to Joseph and Marie Roccaforte. He spent his childhood and young adult life in Omaha. He served his country during the Korean War as a member of the Coast Guard before attending Creighton University. On May 2, 1953, he married Rita Toohey, and together they raised a family of eight children.
Lew was a loving and active father who shared many lessons and multiple passions with his children: the importance of family, a love of music, birds and gardening, an ability to build and fix things (lovingly nicknamed, Mr. Brubaker, by his wife), and the need to take photos of everything!
Lew had a long career as a chemist and was an active member and leader of various industry groups. During his retirement, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cary, serving as an officer and 4th Degree Knight. If you were to have asked him his greatest accomplishments, he would have undoubtedly said his children, but he might have also mentioned winning the Knights of Columbus Chili Cookoff on more than one occasion. Lew always had a smile or gave a wave, whether he knew you or not.
Lew is survived by his children: Mary (Jeff) Chemelewski of Cary, IL.; Peter Roccaforte of Cleveland, Ohio, Jane (Bob) Kreha of Grand Rapids, MI.; Michael (Deb) Roccaforte of Carmel, IN.; Teresa DeFelice of Oakland, FL.; Ann (Keven) David of Elmhurst, IL.; and David (Tricia Stewart) Roccaforte of Spring Grove, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Rita; brother Richard Roccaforte, sister Gertrude Roccaforte and son, Thomas Roccaforte.
Lew leaves behind 18 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
The family will gather to celebrate his life with a private memorial service at a later date. Condolences, memories and stories can be added to his Tribute page on the KahleMoore website. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, the religious order of a dear family member, at https://www.sinsinawa.org.