Rocky A. Paladino

Rocky Paladino, age 92, of North Little Rock, died peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday December 18, 2022. He was born June 16, 1930, in Center Ridge, Arkansas to the late Frank Angelo Paladino and Rose Ferricher Paladino. He served in the Korean War with the 45th Army Infantry Division from 1952-53. On May 4, 1954 he married Virginia Frances Pfeifer of Morrilton. He worked for over 40 years as a city truck driver for ABF Freight, and he was so proud of the numerous safe driving awards he received. He retired from ABF in 1991. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Virginia, and his parents, sister JoAnn Hiatt, brother Raymond Paladino, and brothers-in-law Jack Hiatt and Lex Moix.

Survived by three daughters, Debbie (Jerry) Brown of Rogers, Carol (Rick) Habarka of North Little Rock and Christy (Jeff) Ward of North Little Rock; siblings, Cecilia (Frank) Enright of Homer Glen, IL, Patricia Moix of North Little Rock, Diane (George) Beck of Morrilton, Mary Chapman of Morrilton, Barbara (Jim) Wiedower of Morrilton; grandchildren, Adam Brown, Hannah (Tommy) Baker, Lucas (Julia) Brown, Ashley (Dustin) Vickers, Zach Habarka, Tanner Ward, and Bryce Ward; great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Delilah and Rocco Vickers, Zane Baker, and Isaac Brown, and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rocky was the kindest and most fun-loving man. He never met a stranger, and once you met him, you never forgot him. He was a loving husband, father, and pawpaw. He adored his three girls, and they loved him so very much. He was always happiest when surrounded by his family. Rocky and Ginger loved gardening together and having their grandkids around. He loved sports of all kinds and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and Arkansas Razorbacks fan, and loved going to Oaklawn Racetrack. After retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, making homemade wine and just taking it easy. He was famous for his unique sense of humor and countless one-of-a-kind sayings, such as “drink no wine before it’s time“ and “as the world turns“. And remember that HE WAS HERE FIRST!

Visitation will be at 6pm on Thursday December 22, followed by a rosary at 7pm, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Mass of Christian burial will be at 1pm on Friday, December 23 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1516 Parker Street, North Little Rock, with Father Greg Luyet as celebrant. His interment will follow at Griffin-Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Guests are welcomed to sign the guest book and leave memories at griffinleggettresthills.com.