Rocco Abessinio

Rocco Joseph Abessinio, 64, of Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, February 14. Rocco was born to Dr. Daniel and Yvonne (nee McEwen) Abessinio in 1959. He attended University Liggett School before studying economics (as well as euchre and backgammon and a few other things) at Hillsdale College. He was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity where he gained lifelong friends. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1982.

While working in Chicago he met the love of his life Holly Adams, to whom he was happily married for the past thirty-three years. Together they raised three children, and in recent years welcomed three grandchildren.

After getting his start as a trader in Chicago where he held a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade, Rocco had a long and successful career with Direct Buy where he inspired many he led to not only be better at their job, but just to be better people. After Direct Buy Rocco had a noteworthy career as a technical recruiter where he will be remembered not only for his amazing talent acquisition skills, but for his smiling face and positive attitude. He was known everywhere he went as a joyful and generous man, making lifelong friends all over the world. He was quick to show love to those around him and offer whatever they needed – a home-cooked meal, a cup of coffee, a cigar, one of his famous jokes, or some sincere words of encouragement. No one ever felt unwelcomed in Rocco’s presence or his home.

A lifelong Michigan sports fan, Rocco was blessed in the final year of his life to accompany his wife, children, and grandchildren on outings to see the Tigers, the U of M Wolverines, and the Lions. An active sportsman himself, Rocco played pickleball many times a week alongside Holly and their loving Grosse Pointe Yacht Club pickleball group.

Rocco will be dearly missed by his family and innumerable close friends. He leaves behind his wife Holly; his children Austin (fiancée Rachel Goldberg), Haley Doherty (John), Emma Wood (Reed); his sisters Carmela, Andrea, Nora, and Jennifer(fiancée Michael Bisch) ; and his three grandchildren Kilian, Iris, and Nellie. He often remarked that the greatest joy in his life was being the world’s best “Pop-Pop” to his beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his very special cousin of the same name, Rocco Abessinio, who was a lifelong inspiration to him and his family.

A memorial service and celebration of life for family and those who loved him will be held at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club on Sunday February 18th at 10:30am.

A memorial scholarship is being created in Rocco’s name for Hillsdale College. Memorial donations can be directed to his wife Holly.