Rocco Anthony Marino

Rocco Anthony Marino of Nanuet, NY, formerly a 55-year resident of New City, NY, passed away on February 2, 2026 surrounded in love by his family.

Rocco was born on June 12, 1938 in the Bronx, NY to Lawrence and Marian Marino (nee DelGrosso). He grew up in the Bronx with his older brother and his aunt and uncles. Rocco’s mother was raising her siblings along with her own two children and Rocco often recounted stories about him and his brother sharing their beds with their uncles who ended up being more like brothers to them. He cherished his family and always spoke fondly of that time in his life and the impact it had on him.

Rocco graduated from Samuel Gompers Vocational and Technical High School in 1956 with an electrical diploma and a few months after, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving with the Fleet Marine Force Pacific. As a 20-year-old Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan, Rocco began a pen pal friendship. When his pen pal started a new relationship, Rocco received a “Dear John” letter ending their friendship. She then asked her friend Louise, a 19-year-old young woman working at her local VA Hospital in the Bronx, to become Rocco’s new pen pal.

After six months of their pen pal friendship, Rocco was granted leave to return home for Christmas. Much to his surprise and joy, Louise’s parents gave their permission for their young daughter to accompany Rocco’s parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to greet him at the airport. It is then that Rocco and Louise’s friendship changed from exchanging letters to exchanging glances.

Rocco was honorably discharged in February 1960 and began working as an electrician and ultimately obtained his Master Electricians License for the City of New York, for the Counties of Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester in New York, and in the State of New Jersey.

On October 1, 1960, Rocco and Louise were married at Immaculate Conception Church in the Bronx. They quickly began their family and when child number seven was on the way, they moved from their home in the Bronx to New City.

When he and his family moved to Rockland, Rocco immediately became involved in community affairs. He became active in the Italian American community, served as Treasurer in the United Italian-American Civic Association, founded the Italian American Sons of Rockland County and in 1974, was instrumental in forming and conducting the first Columbus Day Parade held in Rockland.

Rocco’s community involvement is far-reaching and included the Knights of Columbus, Clarkstown Recreation League, Boy Scouts, Boys Town of Italy, New City Lions Club, Marine Corps League of Rockland, and Cooley’s Anemia Foundation to name a few.

Rocco’s love of family was never-ending. Working multiple jobs to support his family, non-work times and vacations became more special. Rocco converted a construction trailer into a camper and took his family camping over many summers, he enjoyed vacations to California, Hawaii, and Florida with his family, he provided a first car for each of his children, helped his grandchildren with college expenses, and he acquired what is now affectionately called “Marino Country”, a home near Candlewood Lake, CT so that both his immediate and extended family will have continuous lakefront enjoyment for years to come. You were certainly blessed beyond belief to be on the receiving end of Rocco’s goodwill and generosity.

Rocco was an active member of I.B.E.W. Local Union 3 from 1960 through his retirement in 1997. Upon retirement from Local 3, Rocco worked full time for the Facilities Management Department of Rockland County. Upon his departure from full-time employment in that department, Rocco continued working part-time within the County government with his final role being for the Veterans Association. Rocco had many jobs after his initial formal retirement in 1997 because he enjoyed keeping busy, staying active, being productive, and helping others.

In addition to family, Rocco’s love of friends and church was also endless. He could always be found attending 5:00pm mass on Saturdays at his local parish, St. Augustine Church in New City. He recently donated the purchase and installation of a handicapped-accessible, automated door at the side entrance of the Church in memory of his beloved wife, Louise. A testament of his love for both his wife and his parish.

Rocco looked forward to and enjoyed any opportunity to be with family and friends – hunting, vacationing, firepit s'more nights with his children and grandchildren, snow birding in Florida, cousin gatherings – and he loved watching JAG, NCIS, Blue Bloods, Marine Corps videos, and once upon a time, his NY Jets. He had a passion for horses and often reminisced about riding in his younger years. He got back on a horse at age 83 and loved every second.

Rocco is predeceased by his wife Louise, his brother Albert and his wife Diane, his son-in-law Ronald, his brother-in-law Nick and his wife Anna, and by his granddaughter Angelica. Rocco is survived by his seven children, Mary Ann, Carmela, Lawrence (Michelle), Theresa (Kevin), Louise (Luis), Rocco, and Michael (Matthew), and by his eleven grandchildren, Shannon, Katelyn, Racquel, Arianna, Christopher, Lindsey, Matthew, Rocco, Janaye, Paulina, and James.

Rocco’s importance to his family, friends, and community is immeasurable. Rocco’s family is extremely thankful for the many years he contributed so deeply to and supported their lives.

A wake for Rocco will be held Monday, February 9th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 10th at 10:00 AM at St. Augustine Church, New City. Interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery in Airmont, NY followed by a celebration of Rocco’s life.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in Rocco’s honor to any of the following: St. Augustine Church, 140 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956; Freedom Horse Inc., c/o Elizabeth Pellegrino, 5 Cedar Drive, Montague, NJ 07827; Marine Corps League of Rockland County, 20 Station Road, Pomona, NY 10970; United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956.