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Rocco Ciolfi Obituary
92, of Stella Street, Providence, passed away June 10. 2019. He was the devoted husband of 67 years to Molly (Koutros) Ciolfi. The couple met at the Palladium Dance Hall at Rocky Point where Rocco's dancing skills caught Molly's eye. Rocco loved to dance and would never miss a chance to show off his moves on the dance floor.
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Antonio and Margaret (Fargnoli) Ciolfi.
Rocco worked as a civil engineer for the State of RI: Dept of Transportation for 31 years before retiring. He was also the founder of Hartford Paving Corporation, with his late partner Anthony Corsinetti, whom he considered to be a brother. Rocco was a WW II Navy Veteran. He enlisted at age 17 and was the youngest crew member on the destroyer USS Myles C. Fox until he was injured in the Sea of Japan in 1945.
He remained at home with his wife Molly until days before his death thanks to the unending devotion and special care of his daughter Darlene "Lena" Ciolfi-Donley and her husband Gerard of Cranston. Rocco also leaves his daughters Dr. Donna Gentile-O'Donnell and husband Robert of Philadelphia, Deborah Ciolfi and husband Christopher Pilkington of Wayland, MA, and Dawn Ciolfi, and two grandchildren, Andrew and Grace Pilkington. He was the brother of the late Assunta Ciolfi-Glick. Miss Friskie, his beloved cat, continues to sleep on Rocco's bed. He loved meeting with his countless friends and his memory will bring smiles to his Brewed Awakenings coffee buddies.
Rocco's family would like to express their deep appreciation to all of Rocco's loving caregivers, Carmen, Karen, Charlene, April, Nina, Daniel, and so many others too numerous to name. Special thanks are extended to Rocco's oncologist, Dr. Ariel Birnbaum, whose warm, cheerful, and loving heart eased Rocco's final journey.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 9:30 am in Holy Cross Church, 645 Hartford Avenue, Providence. Burial, with Military Honors to follow in St. Ann Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rocco's memory to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904. www.romanofuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rocco Ciolfi
North Providence Foot & Ankle
June 19, 2019
At this time we are sending our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May Mr. Ciolfi rest in peace with Our Lord.
Tony Mawad
June 17, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing.
Frank Iannucci
June 16, 2019
My idol from when I was a kid. He was the person you could turn to.
I live in California and my sisters live on Stella St. I come there a couple times a year. When I needed some help on my sisters house Rocco offered help and recommendations. A true, and I mean TRUE, neighborhood ledgen.
June 14, 2019
Well written obituary. One has a sense of the person. Rest In Peace.
Mark Erb
June 14, 2019
Rocco had the special ability and charisma to brighten any gathering, small or large, with his larger than life stories, laugh, and joy! He is missed.
June 14, 2019
My deepest condolences to Molly & Darlene.
It was my pleasure to have met Rocco and enjoy his sense of humor. I shall always remember that smile.
Vanessa Carnevale
Barbara,robertjr.michael,Stephen,Pam Marie and tammy Graziano
June 13, 2019
We are so sorry to hear of Rocco's passing.
the Graziano family
June 13, 2019
Dear Donna, Deborah, Darlene and Dawn (The four D's), I am so very sorry to hear that your dad has passed. I think we all thought he would live forever. Your dad was such a huge presence in our childhood. The entire neighborhood was afraid of "Rocco", but when we were old enough to understand it was clear to see he only wanted the best for all of us. His own kids and his neighborhood kids. He will be missed. I wish with all my heart I could attend the service on Saturday. I would love to be there. It would be a special day to reminisce about the good old days. Unfortunately I am going away for the weekend. Please know that my heart is with you. Rest in peace Rocco.
Donald Bianco
June 13, 2019
Rocco was one of the last of the great WW2 Hartford Avenue gang along with the DiLorenzo's, Monda's, Bianco's, Generali's and so many others. They were all part of the greatest generation. May he rest in peace
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