My heart is sad for the news of Rocco's passing. He was a good friend to me. Rocco was loyal, respectful, generous, hard working, and kind hearted. I will always remember fond memories that we shared. God bless your family and friends.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011

As my cousins have so eloquently said- Rocco was always part of our family. I don't remember 'before' Rocco. He would always be up for a good chat or a laugh, but never wanted to impose on anyone. A heart of gold with a kind spirit to match. One-of-a-kind. I am sad I cannot make the services but know Rocco would be very dismissive about a 'big deal' being made over him anyway. I will always remember his smile, the motorcycle days, the hair, his intense exercise walk, the quick wit & slow burn humor and that you better not debate him on a hot topic unless you had your ducks in a row! I will miss you Rocco, rest peacefully. Semper Fi.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

i will miss seeing you and peggy at pine tree on sundays
rose marie elkins hester
you are in marine core heven, gils birth is may 30 and a 20 year marine
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Rocco has always been a part of my husband's Fanette family - loved and cherished by all. For a while, he worked for my father Max Willard who always spoke of him as a hard worker, a reliable person who demonstrated initiative. He was a good man and he will be missed by a host of friends and family.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Peggy and Wingate family; Rocco has been a part of my family for my entire life and even before I was born. Rocco was a member of our extended relatives, and we thought of him as part of our own immediate family. The first time I clearly remember hearing Rocco's name, I was about 6 yrs old. It was when Rocco was coming home from Vietnam. That Sunday in 1968 or '69, after church, everyone there was saying with excitement and joy, "Rocco and Buddy (Burrell) are coming HOME!!! Rocco and Buddy are coming HOME!!!" I didn't know who either of them were at the time, but knew everyone else did, and they were extremely excited they would soon be back in Fannett! After returning home, Rocco quickly became part of our immediate family. As we got a little older, and our relationship grew, I recall one summer in particular that he was at our house EVERY afternoon. He taught us how to play chess, and liked to play Monopoly. Rocco, my two brothers, Joe and Ricky, and myself played MONOPOLY one night until finally we saw the sun come up at 6 a.m.!!! That was the first time I had ever stayed up all night. He taught us all how to bowl and took all three of us often. He took us to High Island and then over the ferry to Galveston "just because". He took us to the movies (first time to see "JAWS ") and poked me when the scene was intensifying and made me scream! He was always laughing at stuff like that. He would also bring ice-cream by the 5 GALLON BUCKET from Baskin Robbins so we always had plenty! At that time there were no stores in Fannett, so it was a real treat. He definately made our childhood a lot more fun, and was always around for any family event. We have pictures of Rocco from those events, however most of the time, he played the photographer and would not be in our pictures. He was a very good photographer. Our lives were richly blessed by his mere presence. We all loved Rocco very much, and we will miss him greatly!! Rest Peacefully Rocco...we will see you soon. Ann Jordan Bartosh
Tuesday, May 31, 2011