Mike Rocco

ALBANY – Mike Rocco, 63, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's, after a three-year, bold fight with colon cancer. He was born in Queens, NY and spent most of his life in Rhinebeck, NY. He was the son of the late Michael Rocco and Rose Papetti. Mike was a talented barber for over 40 years in Rhinebeck, where he owned a barbershop and established a loyal and grateful clientele. He was a Navy veteran serving on the USS Chilton APA 38 from 1958 to 1962, where he learned his barber skills. Mike stayed in touch with his Navy buddies whose support and friendship over the years was greatly appreciated.
Mike loved Florida and was looking forward to spending many winters there during his retirement years with his loving and caring wife, Mary Luciano Rocco. Though too brief, their years together were full of love, devotion and many wonderful times. Mike will be dearly missed by Mary, his friends and family.
Mike's family includes four children, Anthony Rocco, Michael Rocco Jr., Joseph Rocco and Nicole Kappeller and two stepchildren, David Osher and Stephen Luciano. Mike was happy to have been blessed with ten wonderful grandchildren: AJ and Ana Rocco, Nicholas Rocco, Ryan Kappeller, Lexie, Ryan and Lily Osher, and Dominic, Alex and Anthony Luciano. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Mike has a sister, Antoinette Carroll and was predeceased by his sister, Rosalie Murray.
Mike was a member of the Albany City Lodge 540 Knights of Phythias, Knights of Columbus of Rhinebeck and the VFW Post of Red Hook.
His wife Mary would like to thank Dr. Kolodziej and Ellen for their compassion and kindness, and Dr. Edward Lee of Albany Med whose surgical talent gave Mike precious extra time. A special thanks to all the hospice nurses at The Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, the nurses on 4 MacAulley, especially Beth Ann and Nancy, and all the support staff who took such wonderful care of "Rocco". A grateful thanks as well to Mike's loyal friend, Warner, whose daily calls of encouragement and support put a smile on Mike's face.
Friends and family are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27th, 2005 at the New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). A funeral service will immediately follow the calling hours at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 So. Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208 or Albany City Lodge 540 Knights of Pythias, Damon Club, 10 Russell Rd., Albany, NY 12206 in memory of Mike Rocco.