Rocco Anthony DeFrino

Rocco Anthony DeFrino, 89, of Old Lyme and Florida, formerly of Rocky Hill, beloved husband of the late Jeannette (Thibodeau) DeFrino, died peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2015 on what would have been their 67th wedding anniversary. He was born in East Hartford, the son of Anthony and Rose (Falcone) DeFrino. After graduating Weaver High School and the obligatory family apprenticeship at the Bliss Market, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The U.S. won the war, and Rocco won over Jeannette in his Navy whites. After graduating Burdett College on the GI Bill, he eventually came to open up Rock Rubber & Supply, Inc. in Rocky Hill of which he was so proud. He retired in 1988 and since has been a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished his visits to his family roots in Corleto Perticara and Tivoli in Italy, and his Italian food, but his greatest love was for his Jeannette and his family. Rocco was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Windsor with his brothers-in-law Lenny Montano and James Sponzo. He will be dearly missed by his devoted family and many friends. He is survived by his five children, Atty. Robert A. DeFrino of Hartford, Anthony M. DeFrino and his wife, Gail, of Auburn, MA, Rosemarie A. Lynch and her husband, Dr. Brian T. Lynch of North Branford, Louanne J. Hayes and her husband, Mark Hayes, of Marlborough, and Thomas M. DeFrino and his wife, Suzanne, of South Windsor; eight adored grandchildren, Carrie Woodcock and her husband John, Beth Kuo and her husband Chi, Thomas Lynch, Daniel Rocco Lynch, Joseph Lynch, Shelley Vecchitto, Corrin Vecchitto, and Jeannette DeFrino; five cherished great-grandchildren, Noah, Samantha, Viviana, Luca and Sage; a brother, Francis DeFrino, DDS and his wife Diane of New Milford, a sister, Julia Sponzo of Windsor, and his sister-in-law, Laura DeFrino of Rocky Hill, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Montano; brothers, Charles and Nicholas DeFrino, and grandson, Jeffrey DeFrino. Funeral service will be Thursday at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. James Church, 767 Elm St., Rocky Hill. Burial with military honors will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours are Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rocco’s memory may be made to: Samantha Woodcock Trust, 14 Blake Ave., Saco, ME 04072 to ensure the special needs future of his great-granddaughter. To share a memory of Rocco with the family, please visit www.desopo.com.