(I love you! Good night, see you soon.)
This is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I can barely get the words on the screen.
It is with overwhelming sadness and pain that I must tell you my dad passed away last night around 9pm. With my mom singing to him and holding his hand, please know, he died peacefully and without pain.
There are so many of you reading this and I am sorry this is the way you had to find out. My mom asked that I send this out, even though it took everything in me to write you.
We truly thank each and every one of you for your love of my dad, support, friendships, memories you have shared and all the many prayers these past few weeks. Rocky is with the Lord and in a loving place- I can see why he would have wanted to stay there.
My mom said she is very blessed to have been able to spend the last few weeks with my dad and talk with him, pray with him, just be with him. My mom is a very strong woman.
I do not have any details on the arrangements, but as soon as I do I will send another email out and make all of you aware. Please send this to anyone you know.
My heart is so heavy right now, but I am so glad that I got to find out how many numerous lives my dad touched through this blogsite. Thank you, tina
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39 comments:
tina and family, I am a wreck today! Iam so, so, sorry for your and our loss. Kevin was here last night and talked ( and cried ) with Joey and I. I hope we were able to comfort him a little. I keep questioning my faith, then I think about your wonderful mom and how strong she is. It makes me remember that God has a plan for us all. He needed Rocky to help him in heaven. This I have to believe! I miss your dad SO much, but I know it is not goodbye, only till' we meet again.
I wanted you to know that I also printed announcements of Rocky's passing and I gave them to ALL the neighbors. ( it was a difficult task to say the least ) Your dad touched everyones lives in different ways. Please feel free to contact me if you need help with anything.
Love,
Cathy Romero and Family
cattwmn1@roadrunner.com
I don't even know what to say May God be with you thru this very difficult time. Linda my friend please know that I am here for you what ever the need may be. With Love and great sadness you will be in my prayers. Yvonne
Dear Linda and family, We were blessed to be here with a man with such passion and joy. He leaves a wonderful legacy to be shared and remembered.
Sincerely,
Jacquie
To Rocky's family - I, of course, do not have to tell you what a kind and funny man Rocky was. Know that my prayers continue with you all - that our loving Lord will surround you with His grace and strength as you get through the next few weeks. May you find comfort in God's grace, in the promise that you will be reunited with Rocky one day, and in all the wonderful memories you have of him.
Blessings and prayers to you all,
Karen Streeter
(Sanitation Districts)
kstreeter76@ca.rr.com
Dear Rocky's Family – My heart is real heavy hearing the news today; I can’t close my eyes and make this go away. My prayers are with Rocky, my friend, and the whole family during this time of mourning.
Peace, Peter & Zita Kaszas from Sanitation Districts
Tina,
I just got back from lunch and was so shocked to see your e-mail and blog with the news of Rocky's passing. It is hard to understand as a believer, why though I did not know Rocky real well (though I wish I had), how God put him and your family on my heart in such a big way, to pray for him, your mom and the family every day and offer what ever support I could, and knowing soooo many other people did the same and more, I honestly expected God to raise Rocky up and he would just wake up one day and walk out of that hospital and just blow everybody's mind (especially the doctor's)! I am honestly so surprised and dissapointed it did not happen! I just cannot express how sorry I am for your loss! I am reminded however of a 19 yr.old girl from our church some years ago, who died in a car accident. Her family and many others prayed so hard that God would literally raise her from the dead! Then someone received a word from the Holy Spirit that as she stood before the Glory of God, she was given the choice to remain there in the very presence of our Lord, in all of His Glory or return to
planet earth, she chose the former. And who could blame her?! And who could blame Rocky if perhaps he was given the same choice?! We can all take comfort in the fact that Rocky, as a believer and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, is indeed in a better place and that he may not come back to us but we who have like faith will someday be with him again! May God bless your family with God's grace and peace.
We continue to pray for your family and offer our support in any way we can.
Love, Ted & Marrie De Vesta
Linda and Family,
Rocky is gone to a greater place and even better I know that Rocky knew his savior, because we talked about him a lot. He loved his family and only wanted the best for you. His purpose may be finished here but we can be assured that he had touched many lives in a positive ways. Although, it may be hard for you right now to understand why he was called home, by God’s own words: God will get you throw this. My prayers are for peace and comfort to you all. Blessings Always..
Sherri Evans - Co-worker
sevans@lacsd.org
we will alway's keep him in our heart's. and on our mind's.
i have no word's to say how i feel. i want every one to know. my uncle rocky was the best person. just a all around great man. and he will be missed dearly.to my aunt linda and my cousin's. i love all of you. and i am so sorry. just remember he is alway's going to be with us. until we meet again......love always.....misty and the kid's.....we will never forget you uncle rocky
to Rocky's family, i just want to say how sorry I am of Rocky's passing. I lived across the street from him in Bloomfield, N.J. many years ago. He always was luaghing and smiling, which made others do the same.My cousin is Gene Zarro, we lived next door to each other and Rocky and all the other guys were always at Genes. There was not a time I can't remember Rocky not calling my Mom and Dad aunt Helen and Uncle Sam. He was always so respectful and full of life. He will be missed in this world.
Mike Zarro and Family
West Orange, N.J.
mzoomer526@aol.com
Tina and Family,
I am so sorry to learn about your loss. Please know that I will keep all of you in my prayers. Although I never knew your father and have never met your mother, I know that they raised a wonderful daughter in you and that's the best legacy any parent can hope for. Your father had a lot to be proud of and thankful for in the daughter he had in you and that had to have given him some peace before he was called home. Please take care and may God bless you all and keep you in his loving care as you work your way through your grief.
Love,
Mary Lolli
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Roccia family. God bless you all. It still seems quite surreal that all of this has happened. Sometimes it feels like it is only a dream. May the shock and sadness of this event ease with time. Take the time you need to process this and above all, lean upon God for wisdom and strength. What a blessing that he has such a wonderful family.
Jim and Pat Hoffmann LACSD
Dear Roccia Family,
This is the hardest note I've had to type in a very long time. This terrible news just breaks my heart. I've known and been friends with Rocky and Linda since we first met back at Bechtel in 1980. Rocky was my very first boss and I will always remember him and his sense of humor and laugh. That funny little laugh. I've contacted as many old Bechtel folks and I can find and we all are here for you.
Love,
Sylvie & Ric Kivrizis
to rocky's family and friends...
though we need to weep your loss,
you dwell in that safe place in our hearts
where no storm or night or pain can reach you.
your love was like the dawn
brightening over our lives;
awakening beneath the dark
a further adventure in color.
the sound of your voice
found for us
a new music
that brightened everything.
whatever you enfolded in your gaze
quickened in the joy of its being;
you placed smiles like flowers
on the altar of the heart.
your mind always sparkled
with wonder at things.
though your days here were brief,
your spirit was alive, awake, complete.
we look toward each other no longer
from the old distance of our names;
now you dwell inside the rhythm of breath,
as close to us as we are to ourselves.
though we cannot see you with outward eyes,
we know our soul's gaze is upon your face,
smiling back at us from within everything
to which we bring our best refinement.
let us not look for you only in memory,
where we would grow lonely without you.
you would want us to find you in presence,
beside us when beauty brightens,
when kindness glows
and music echoes eternal tones.
when orchids brighten the earth,
darkest winter has turned to spring;
may this dark grief flower with hope
in every heart that loves you.
may you continue to inspire us;
to enter each day with a generous heart.
to serve the call of courage and love
until we see your beautiful face again
in that land where there is no more separation,
where all tears will be wiped from our mind,
and where we will never lose you again.
by john o'donohue
from my heart...
God bless you all!
love,
cheryl gilliland-timmons
I'm going to miss my friend very much.
The kind of life we as people should live, should use Rocky's life as a template. I have read a lot of the posts today and he was a well loved individual. Being only human, his life was a blessing to be around because he almost had a perfect personality.
The only perfect personality we had was sacrificed a long time ago and "that" person, now has another good friend with him. Probably sitting down with him right now and asking him what he wants to do up there.
People like the Rock only come around ever so often. Being honest and not holding back anything here, all I can say is The Rock "was the mold". All the other people came after he was made.
You know what that little wiggle was with Rocks head was? It was excitment! Excitment to be with people and to be sharing his life. He loved people. He loved being around people. He loved forward progress and creativety. Solving problems and sometimes just being there for you.
Rocky had an answer for everything and those answers always left a person in deep thought after a brief meeting with him. I couldn't imagine him having problems but I am pretty sure he dealt with them in ways that could have a U. S. president envious. He could have run for ofice and won with his cool candor and style. THat slight smirk of a smile as he made a point come across. Man I loved that. Just cool Rock.
I'm going to miss my friend very much. But he's alright people. He is still there in our thoughts.
As his body laid in the hospital, I guess he didn't want to stop playing with those super novas and quarks out there in the universe. Something that Rock would probably say at a time like this, . . ."There's always another day". We have each other.
Linda,
Although we are saddened by Rocky's passing, we are secure in knowing that your faith, family, and friends will provide you with the support you will need to make it through this difficult moment in time. We took the time, not to reflect upon his death, but to rejoice in our memories and be thankful for the friendship we shared for so many years. As long as we keep those memories alive, Rocky will always be with us. We sincerely appreciated your family's efforts over the past weeks keeping us informed and making us a part of your life. Please keep in touch and remember our house is always open to you. All our love to you and your family.
Dan and Kate Santoro
nikki92870@yahoo.com
My Dad just called me when I got off of work and told me the news. I am so sorry. It is so hard to imagine that the guy who treated me just like one of his own kids (lectures and all :) ) is no longer with us. We may not have seen each other much since we all grew up and moved away, but Rocky and Linda are still very much loved and were a very important part of my young life. He will be missed a great deal and remembered very fondly.
Dear Roccia Family,
I have had the great pleasure to have met Rocky on several occasions, as he worked with my Father for many, many years. There are no words to express how you are feeling or even to confort you, as I did lose my Mother 1 1/2 years ago. You are in my prayers. Please try and find comfort in the Lord's grace and know that in time you will see him again. He is now with the Lord and he is now, YOUR ANGEL!!
Kathy Banks
Reza Pejouhian's Daughter
Dear Roccia Family,
I have had the great pleasure to have met Rocky on several occasions, as he worked with my Father for many, many years. There are no words to express how you are feeling or even to confort you, as I did lose my Mother 1 1/2 years ago. You are in my prayers. Please try and find comfort in the Lord's grace and know that in time you will see him again. He is now with the Lord and he is now, YOUR ANGEL!!
Kathy Banks
Reza Pejouhian's Daughter
katbanks@sbcglobal.net
When I think of Rocky, a certain poem that my mom gave me, comes to mind:
THAT MAN IS A SUCCESS
Who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
Who had gained the respect of intelligent men, and the love of children;
Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
Who leaves the world better than he found it,
whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;
Who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
-author unknown -
I can’t express how much you will be missed, my friend !!!
Steve Elmer
Oh my God! I am so sorry and so shocked and saddened Linda. Paul had back surgery on Aug 28 in CA so this is the first I knew of anything. I am in shock. My heart aches for your loss. I have thought of you guys so often over the years.Rocky was such a special person. You both touched my life with such good and positive joy. I don't know if you and Tina (Kevin might have been too young) remember running into Paul & I on a camping trip in Big Bear. I noticed Rocky walking with Kevin on his shoulders, and then the fun began. Rain, snow and hot chocolate in our little camper,and the jeep rides with the girls. One very special memory in our lives that we still bring up and tell others about. My heart goes out to all of you for your tremendous loss. Our Prayers are with you. Love,
Sharon (Delk) & Paul Dietrich
psdietrich@msn.com
WORDS ARE HARD TO EXPRESS WHAT THE
GIRLS , MIKE AND I FEEL..... WE ARE SO SORRY....OUR PRAYERS WILL CONTINUE FOR YOU ALL.
WE WERE BLESSED TO BE ABLE TO SEE AND TALK TO ROCKY BEFORE HE WENT TO SLEEP (ECCLESIASTES (9:5).
JEHOVAH IS A GOD OF COMFORT AND HE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU NOW, WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO CARE ABOUT YOU. 2 CORINTHIANS 1:3-4 SAYS HE WILL COMFORT US IN ALL OUR TRIBULATION.
HOPE::::::: THE SCRIPTURES TALK ABOUT HOW WE WILL BE REUNITED WITH OUR DEAD LOVED ONES JOHN 5:21 28,29
WE LOVE YOU :;;
BRENDA- MIKE, LUCRETIA - JESSICA, CANDICE-NESTOR-ISABELLA, & SHEENA
Linda and family,
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I worked with Rocky in the 1980s and 1990s and will not forget his integrity and sense of humor. You have my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
John Hancock
jghanc@pacbell.net
It is with heavy heart that I add a note to this blog about my cousin Gerard or Rocky as he is known by all. Growing up, our family was very close and the thought of losing a member hurts deeply, right down to my soul. Kevin, your entry telling us all about his passing must have been extremely difficult. It is a demonstration of your character, your ability to write to us when it must be a chore just to function. Linda, I only wish there were some way that I could ease your pain.
Peace be with you.
cousin Joseph Savastano
j.savastano@comcast.net
To Rocky's Family,
I worked with Rocky many years ago in NJ at Foster Wheeler. He was one of those people that made it fun to go to work. We always had a blast with Rocky. I have many fond memories and of course a lot of stories. My deepest sympathy to you all.
John (Who) Tunis
whotun@hotmail.com
What a sad day! Rocky was golden to his very core. He and Linda radiate the pure essence of charity and goodness. One thing that I know for sure...He may have died, but he is not gone. He will always be here, in the quiet moments you will feel him. There will be times when things happen, and you will know and say "Rocky was here." I lost my mother and KNOW this to be true. There is great power in his memory and the legacy he has left behind. He is magnificent. We send you peace and love during this hard time.
may his light shine bright in all of you!
John Tresa and Family
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. He is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be since he lingers there.
And you-O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return-
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of there as the love of here;
Think of him still as the same, I say;
He is not dead-he is just away!
James Whitcomb Riley
I cannnot express how sorry I am or how much sadness I feel. The halls of The Sanitation Districts will not be the same without Rocky.
I will pray for my friend and his family.
Rebecca Valencia
Irene and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Rocky. It is made all the more tragic because it was so sudden. Your hearts were just ripped out and mending is going to take time. We offer our sincerest and heartfelt sorrow to Linda and her family. Know that they have been loved and blessed by the short time they have had with Rocky. He has gone to a better place and in time will be rejoined with his family to live out eternity together.
Irene first met Linda & Rocky when they worked at Bechtel Power in the 1970’s. After a wave of layoffs in the early 1980’s, Linda and Irene always stayed in touch and every Easter they got together on Good Friday for lunch and to catch up on the latest. This tradition will continue but tempered by the part of Linda that is missing. Her love for Rocky will never diminish. She and her family will always have the memories of him to carry them through life.
May the lord bless you and keep you. May his face shine down upon you and give you peace. Lift up your eyes unto the Lord and may he always give you hope, love, understanding, and guidance.
Dave & Irene Russell
Russellid@aol.com
Dear Rocky's family, I met and worked with Rocky long ago in Norwalk, CA during which Rocky was a great coworker, friend, mentor, and lunch buddy. It was a pleasure crossing paths with him as he was always so genuine and generous in and out of the office. I'm sure those who had a chance to know and work with Rocky would agree that those days were among the best in their careers, and memories of Rocky remain clear. He was fond of classic rock, so shoot'n the breeze about oldies with him was always fun, and he always had a supply of great jokes to bust everyone up. I wish you all well in these difficult times. He is truly missed by so many including myself. a l a n s h e n 1 @ yahoo . com
Per sempre ed un giorno!
Dear Linda and all of Rocky's Family and Friends.
This came as such a shock to us. Just hearing about the accident yesterday.
I can't begin to describe my sadness at the loss of such a Great Man.
He was my first childhood friend. We grew up together. At times inseparable. My father and his mother were brother and sister and very close families. We hung out all the time and He being a little older than me ,I always wanted to be cool like him ,never achieving it of course.
He Taught Me to ride Motorcycle, drive a car. He was always great to be with.
My intentions were always to come to California to visit,sadly though it nver happened.
I hope he knows how much I love him.
I talk to him now and I know he can hear. We kind of had an ESP thing when we were kids.
God Bless Gerard and all Of you in These difficult times.
Ti Amo Gerard,
Frank Savastano, Wife Laura
and Aunt Sophie
savvy8@ptd.net
Linda and all;
We are so sorry to hear of Rocky's passing. And Tina;Bless your heart, thank you for making the posting in one of the hardest times you will face.We know your faith is strong and will provide comfort, as well as your ties to loving family and friends. May all the wonderful memories you have of your time with Rocky your husband, and your dad, fill your heart and continue to bring you peace when you feel the lonliness come. Know that we, as well as all these wonderful people posting, will be with you in this journey. May God bring you peace and comfort.
The Adams, The Gregsons, The K. Adams
gregsons@mt-rushmore.net
Tina,
We were so sorry to hear about your Dad and your loss. Your family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers.
The Donadio Family
Greg, Laurie, Denise, Devanie, Rocky & Gregory
Tina,
I cried and cried. It still hasn't really hit me that he's gone. You know? I know that when we're all there next week it will really hit me, and my heart breaks especially for all of you. We have taught Aliyah to pray for all of you in her prayers, and I pray for you guys all day every day. I found a beautiful picture of Rocky and Eric that I am bringing with me next week. Thank you for having the strength to keep up this blog, I know what it has cost you emotionally, but it has been so comforting to read what everyone has written. Love you, and see you next week.
Dear Linda and Family, Gerard was our next door neighbor growing up. 13 of us and the two of them. Tony babe and Rod. Boy he changed his name a lot. He was a great kid then and a wonderful adult. i remember making your wedding cake and the party in Betty and Tony yard. I would email him from time to time and catch up on things. I would send photo lots of old ones i would come accross of his Gold Van and his trip to Texas with my brother Mickey. Some photo of his parents. It was very hard to hear the news and I could not find any information in the papers here and hoped it was not true. Then i realized the newsletter had a Blog and saw that beautiful smile. he is with Good company Up in heaven past those white fluffy clouds he used to watch from watsessing park. My Sister Ellen passed at age 42 and on the other side of his house was my sister in law Nancy Marcasani who passed last january. I pray for your family that you find strenght in all the loving memories help keep you strong. Love Ginny Harrington Hutchison.
hutchgigi@gmail.com
Linda, Kevin & Tina,
It's difficult trying to find words to express my compassion for your loss. May you and the rest of your family find peace and strength through God. Rocky will be in all of our hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers to you & your family.
Love,
Eva
I was so sad to hear of his passing. He must have been one heck of a great person to have had so many friends and family that cared so much. I never had the chance to meet him, but I wish I had. I have only heard how nice and "sweet" he was from fellow co workers.
He made this world a better place and it is a HUGE loss to his family and friends.
Tina, you don't know me, but I am Eileen DeVoe (Harrington) Your dad grew up next door to us and he and my younger brother Michael were good friends. I know they have been in touch for a while most recently and I just want to let you know how sorry I am to hear of the bad news. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Sincerly, Eileen DeVoe
im so sorry to hear about rockys death. i think about him every day. i misss him so much.he wa slike family to me.
ryan schaffer. yamaharider019@yahoo.com
Dear Linda and family :I am in a state of schock.I just found out the horrible news about my cousin .I am so sad.He was a great guy and a good friend along with being a part of my family.I am so sorry for your loss and will miss him .I am so glad we all got to see you guys a few years ago .With love Your Cousin Michael DeRiggi
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