RESTAURATEUR
1935 – 2019
PORTLAND – Rocco J DiSanto Sr, 84 of Portland, passed away at home on June 14, 2019, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Portland on March 7, 1935 the son of John J. DiSanto and Anna L. Pesce DiSanto.
He was communicant of Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church in Portland and in his youth, he served as an altar boy. He attended Jack Junior and Portland High Schools, where he was a proud member of the Bronzy Club. After High School, he honorably served in the National Guard.
He married the love of his life Sandra Warren on June 3, 1955. Together they enjoyed raising their six children. They shared 21 years of marriage until the passing of Sandra on September 26, 1976.
Throughout his life he was an entrepreneur of numerous businesses. In 1980 his deep-rooted passion for his Italian heritage and exceptional culinary skills lead him to carry on the legacy of the family business, AnJon’s Italian Restaurant in Scarborough. He was instrumental in the success of the restaurant and the creator of AnJon’s jarred pasta sauces.
In the early 90’s his innovative nature inspired him to develop an industrial furnace that would burn a wide range of fuels, including old tires, carpet remnants and organic waste, with few or no emissions.
His children describe him as a remarkable and devoted father, always putting them first. He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at his home. His interests included boating, golfing, antique cars, boxing, football and he was a wizard at daily crosswords. His charismatic personality, sense of humor and quick wit made him the life of the party which everyone loved to be in his presence.
He was predeceased by his wife, parents, son, Rocco (Rocky) J DiSanto Jr., grandson, Philip J Gagliardi and sister Philomena Palestini.
He is survived by his children, Dorothy DiSanto Morrell and her husband Bill of Portland, John J DiSanto, Anna DiSanto both of Scarborough, Caroline DiSanto and Sandra Lee DiSanto both of Westbrook. Sister, Adrienne DiDonato and her husband Frank of Portland. 11 wonderful grandchildren - Leigha, John Jr, Maria, Sandra, Alana, Christopher, Rocco, Allyssa, Christina, Danielle and Thomas. 7 Great Grandchildren. Rocco is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his very good friend, Teddy Brownlee.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorial Honor Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept.300, Memphis, TN. 38148-0052.
Relatives and friends are invited to a time of visitation 4-7 p.m. Wednesday June 19, 2019, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Prayers will be recited 9 a.m. Thursday, June 20, 2019 at the funeral home to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Saint Peters Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Interment will follow at New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland
To share memories and condolences with the family, please go to www.jonesrichandbarnes.com
