Arthur Richard Rocco

Arthur R. Rocco was welcomed into eternal life on Sunday, February 6, 2011 at 3:09am following a brief but courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Arthur was at home in the loving presence of family members at the time of his passing and he leaves behind his wife Vera, two sons Frank and Bob, daughter Sandy, daughter-in-law, Terry, son-in-law, Rick, sister-in-law, Grace, brother-in-law, Phillip along with many wonderful loving cousins, nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. Born on June 17, 1929 in Benestare, Calabria, Italy, Arthur immigrated to the United States in 1947 to reside with other family members in Farrell, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Youngstown University in Ohio, Arthur worked as a Mechanical Engineer for many years before his retirement in 1994. Some of the more notable contracts Arthur contributed to included work on the Stanford Linear Accelerator, the Titan and Polaris Missile Projects, one of the designs for the inflatable Aircraft Evacuation Slide that is used as a safety device on commercial airlines, along with work in the aeronautics and space industries during the 1960’s. Arthur lived a content life, enjoying travel to destinations that included: Italy, Switzerland, Greece, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, China, and Israel. Arthur was devout in his Catholic Faith at Holy Cross Parish in San Jose and was a regular participant in the Knights of Columbus Council 879 as a Knight of the 4th Degree. Having played Tennis in college and during his youth, Arthur was an avid follower of professional Tennis. A Classical Music enthusiast, particularly a fan of Mandolin compositions, Arthur was also a former member of the Aurora Mandolin Orchestra. Arthur now rejoins his family of origin, all of whom preceded him into eternal life: his Parents Frank and Costanza, brothers Nino and Vince, along with other relatives and friends. A fond lover of many things Italian, especially related to his state of birth, Calabria, Arthur will be fondly remembered by all who loved and knew him. In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Memory of Arthur R. Rocco to Sacred Heart Community Service: 1381 South First St., San Jose, CA 95110, ph# 408-278-2194, and website: www.sacredheartcs.org.