Rocco Rosati

Rocco is survived by his wife Estrellita Rosati, his daughters Odessa and Ursula Rosati, his sister Maria Lanzellotti and too many loving nieces and nephews to name (over 50 of them!).

He is predeceased by his mother Linetta, father Nicola, brother Nicola and sister Gisella.

Rocco was born in Fara Filiorum Petri, a town in the Province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy on August 16, 1937. He moved to Canada in 1959 at the young age of 22 with the intent to work hard and build a good life. And that he did. Acquiring his first business Thunderbird Pool Hall, Rocco went on to start several more over the years including Topo Gigio’s, Playland, Magic Mikes and Northwest Amusements. Chances are, if you have ever played an arcade in the 80s or 90s, you played on one of his machines. But his pride and joy and where he spent most of his time was at Bourbon Street Billiards, previously known as Las Vegas Amusements where he remained until his retirement.

Rocco will be known as “the best dad ever” (our apologies to those who thought their dads held this title). He was loving, generous, smart and had impeccable style. He was the type of dad who although worked extremely hard, still managed to make his daughters and wife his number one priority. He took them on many trips but it was their travels to Italy for his family to see and appreciate his country that have become their fondest memories.

Memorial Mass to be held at Holy Rosary Parish Church on Wednesday, January 24 at 11:00 am with Father Gerry Ward as the Celebrant. Condolences will be received at 10:00 am. Reception will follow at Thomson “In The Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinsons Society of Manitoba, 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, MB R2J 1P2.

A special thanks to the staff at Oakview Place Extendicare, and our family and friends for their loving care and support.