Cesare Chester""` Zocco

Cesare ""Chester"" Zocco, of Rocky Hill, husband of 65 years to the late Petrina (Laraia) Zocco, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Chet entered this world on July 2, 1925 in Hartford, the first of six children born to the late Sebastiano and Marianna (Ali) Zocco. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served in the Pacific Theater, where he participated in the battles of Okinawa and Ie Shima. In the early 1950s, Chet became involved in land development and home-building construction. During his career as a building contractor over the next 35 years, he built more than 500 single-family homes, 1,000 condominium units and 2,000 multi-family rental units across Connecticut before retiring in 1988. He served as President of the Home Builders Association of Hartford County from 1977 to 1978. On September 27, 1990, Chet was inducted into the Home Builders Association of Hartford County Hall of Fame. Everyone admired Chet's charisma, sense of humor and zest for life, and he definitely lived for the moment. He was devoted to his family, who will truly miss his presence. Chet is survived by two sons and a daughter, Tom Zocco, Chet Zocco and his wife Janet (Karnilowicz), with whom he recently made his home, and Michelle (Zocco) Fortunato and her husband Michael, all of Rocky Hill. He also leaves behind five loving grandchildren, Steven Zocco and his wife Erin of Tolland, Bryan Zocco and his wife Kelly of Wayland, MA, Jim Zocco of Waltham, MA, Melanie (Fortunato) Abissi and her husband C.R. of Wallingford, and Melissa Fortunato of Rocky Hill, along with nine cherished great-grandchildren, Jack, Cole, Nick, Jake, Emma and Grace Zocco, and Sofia, Gabriella and Liliana Abissi. Chet is also survived by a brother and sister, James Zocco of Stuart, FL and Lucy Zocco of Newington; sisters-in-law, Linda Zocco of East Hartford, Carol Zocco of Enfield, Carmela LeConche of Rocky Hill, Louise Pistorio of Stuart, FL, Theresa Zisk of Enfield, Julie Laraia of West Hartford and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Jeannine Laraia of Port Charlotte, FL, as well as many nieces and nephews. Chet was predeceased by brothers, Carmen, Paul and Joseph Zocco. The family wishes to thank Dr. John Williams of MH Primary Care in Cromwell and the staff of Middlesex Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care Unit for the excellent care provided at this time. There are no calling hours. Private burial will be at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Chet's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 ([email protected]). The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield is assisting the family. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.