Rocco is survived by his beloved wife Nanette Donofrio (nee Wolfsbruck), loving father to daughter Stephanie, son Tom and his wife Denise, and son Jim and his wife Lisa. Cherished Pop-Pop to Brett, Alyssa, Amanda, Victoria, Sophia, Nicholas, Olivia, and Isabella, all of whom he was so proud of and adored. Rocco is also survived by his sister Josephine. He was predeceased by his brother Victor and sister Philomena.
Rocco graduated from Memorial High School in West New York, where he starred on the powerhouse Tigers football teams, going undefeated for three years. He attended Kutztown University in PA where received his teaching degree, then earned his master’s from Seton Hall University. Rocco always challenged himself and went on to take additional mathematics courses at Columbia, Fordham and Stevens Institute.
He had an illustrious and distinguished 38-year career at Northern Valley Old Tappan High School as a mathematics teacher and coach. Rocco or “Mr. D”, as he was known to his students and players, leaves an amazing legacy having positively impacted thousands of lives as an educator, coach, tutor, and mentor.
Rocco will also be remembered for his love of sports. While attending Kutztown University, he starred on their football team, setting multiple records, which led to his induction into the Golden Bears Hall of Fame. Outside of the NVOT classroom, he was a dedicated and supportive leader where he coached football, wrestling, and soccer.
Rocco will be deeply missed by his family, close friends, colleagues, and former students. Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, May 2nd from 4 – 8pm at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, NJ with a prayer session at 6pm. Inurnment will be held at Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in his honor at Northern Valley Old Tappan High School, recognizing a graduating senior who exceled in sports and mathematics. Details will follow.
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