Rocco T. Cambria, 90, formerly of Exeter Township, passed away at Reading Hospital, on July 12, 2024. Born in Sicily, Italy, on October 27, 1933, he was the son of the late Antonino and Giuseppina (Stroscio) Cambria.
Rocco is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 66 years, Rosalia (DiMaria) Cambria. He was the beloved father of two daughters whom he adored and was very proud of; Josie A. Cambria-Kiely, wife of James L. Kiely, of Sturbridge, Massachusetts; Jane M. Cambria-Gill, wife of Richard J. Gill, of Sinking Spring. He is also survived by a grandson, whom he treasured, Jackson R. Gill. In addition, Rocco is survived by four loving siblings: Domenica Accordino, Guy Cambria, Maria Mandanici and Frank Cambria. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
As a young boy of 15, Rocco traveled with his father from Italy to Argentina to find work and learn his future trade of barbering. He worked there for 8 years before moving to the United States to continue working.
His first barbering position was on 6th and Washington Street, Reading. He then became a partner at Cambria Barbers of Perkiomen Avenue, Exeter Township. His total career in barbering is over 70 years. Rocco’s work was his passion. He loved arriving to work early and setting himself up for a day’s work. He enjoyed talking to people, listening to them and sharing stories. He had proudly taken care of generations of families and established many friendships.
Rocco was always very content and had a quiet enthusiasm about him. He loved to walk for his exercise and appreciated nature. He also loved planting his vegetable garden every year and enjoyed the harvest of it. He was also a tinkerer and loved fixing things. In his early years, he worked on all of his cars and would keep them in full operation for many years, beyond the average vehicle life expectancy.
He was quite frugal and had a tremendous work ethic. His optimism was an incredible source of inspiration and self-motivation. He instilled in his children the importance of an education, which he did not have the opportunity to have because he had to work. In his later years, Rocco enjoyed cooking with his wife as they would make wonderful homemade sauce, soups and other meals together. Rocco was the ultimate provider and took pride in being a family man. His family was his world.
Until we meet again.
A viewing for Rocco will be held Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at St. Catharine of Siena Catholic Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Exeter Township. Mass of christian burial will promptly commence in church at 10:30 AM, with Father Brian Miller officiating. Entombment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, 3139 Kutztown Rd., Laureldale.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Auman’s Inc. Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.Aumansinc.com
