Roger R. Della Rocco

SCHENECTADY- Roger R. Della Rocco, 74, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2018 surrounded by the love of his family.

Roger is survived by his wife, Marie Della Rocco, Waterford, NY; daughter, son-in law and granddaughter, Joo Hye Della Rocco Smith, Kyle Smith and Avery Smith, Waterford, NY; brother and sister-in law, Phillip and Arlene Della Rocco, New Jersey; sister, Carol De Lorenzo, Saratoga, NY; sister and brother-in law, Linda and Terry Mattioli, Arizona; brother, Victor Della Rocco, Florida. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents, Victor and Leta Della Rocco; brother Paul Della Rocco; beloved niece Kimberly Kennedy.

Roger was born on November 23, 1943 in Schenectady, NY. He attended Draper High school and was drafted into the Army where he served from 1965-1971 and was sent to Vietnam. After moving back home to Schenectady, he worked at Ellis Hospital where he met Marie A. Masotti who he married in 1972. Throughout the next few decades he worked at several restaurants, most notably Ocean's 11 and L'Ecole's. In 1984, Roger and Marie adopted a baby girl from South Korea and welcomed her arrival in February 1985. From there on, Roger enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was attending roller skating practice or coaching softball. Roger was very passionate about caring for children and for several years his family cared for foster children and he also volunteered as a coach for a local baseball league for children with disabilities. In recent years, his most cherished moments were spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Avery. Roger will be remembered as a beloved husband, brother, and uncle, but most of all he would want to be remembered as a father and grandfather who had endless love and devotion for his family.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205, on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 10:30am-12:30pm, with a service to immediately follow. Burial will be held at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Roger's life.

In lieu of flowers, Roger would have wished that any charitable donations go St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now .