Lucy Rocco

      “Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Lucy Rocco, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

      Lucy was born on June 15, 1923 at At Home in Brooklyn, NY. She was the daughter of Olga and Matteo Grimaldi. Raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

      Growing up, Lucy was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Lucy was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Lucy was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Lucy took part in a number of activities as a child. She took part in basketball. She was a member of the Homemakers Club. In her spare time she liked to Knit and Crotchet.

      Lucy enjoyed learning. She always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Lucy was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Lucy was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Girls High in 1940. Lucy enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was English. Lucy made her own graduation dress.

      Most folks would say that Lucy was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Lucy was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Lucy best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Lucy kept. While growing up, some of her best friends were Clara and Miriam. Later in life, she became friends with Joyce Scheafer, Mary Clausen, Edna Woolsey and Mary Burnett.

      Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Lucy. On September 27, 1946 Lucy married Gennaro Roccco at St. Lucy's Church of Brooklyn, NY. She was totally committed to Jerry and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Lucy naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Lucy disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

      Lucy was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Lucy was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Lucy was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Lucy was blessed with four children, two daughters, Adele and Olga. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Jacqueline, Laura, Allison and Jennifer.

      If you gave Lucy a deadline, she would meet it. At work, Lucy was always on task. Without hesitation, Lucy could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was Homemaker. She was employed for twenty-three years by North Babylon School Cafertia. During that time, Lucy excelled in working with small groups in order to complete assignments. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Lucy was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Lucy had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

      Lucy liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Lucy's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Lucy preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Knitting. Lucy was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes.

      While thorough and measured in her approach to things, Lucy often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. She was like that with sports. In high school, Lucy played Basketball. She also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, she was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity.

      An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Lucy. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. Joseph Church for 45 years. During that time, she made contributions.

      Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Lucy had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included Rome, Italy and Mohonk Mountain House.

      When Lucy's retirement finally arrived in 1988, she was well prepared. She had taken the time to learn about her various options and chose her course wisely. In retirement, she found new pleasure in playing cards with friends. Even in retirement, Lucy continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

      Lucy passed away on June 23, 2021 at Babylon Beach House in Babylon, New York. Lucy died of old age. She is survived by her children, Adh ele Spencer, Nicholas and Matthew Rocco. Her grandchildren Dr. Jacqueline Spencer., Laura Brennan,Esq., Dr. Allison Blanton, Jennifer Tsokris, Esq. and Ben Rocco. Services were held at St. Joseph Church. Lucy was laid to rest in Long Island National Cemetery, Farmingdale, New York.

      It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Lucy was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Lucy was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Lucy Rocco was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Lucy. She will be missed.

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Lucy Rocco passed away on June 23, 2021 at the age of 98. Loving mother of Adele Spencer, Nicholas Rocco and Matthew Rocco. Cherished grandmother of Jacqueline Hamilton, Laura Brennan, Allison Blanton, Jennifer Tsokris and Benjamin Rocco. Fond Great-grandmother of Aidan Hamilton, Olivia Hamilton, Caroline Brennan, Charlotte Brennan, Amelia Blanton and Grant Tsokris. Lucy was pre-deceased by her husband, Gennaro Rocco and her daughter, Olga Rocco. Friends may visit at the Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 West Main St., Babylon on Sunday 2:00-4:30pm and 7:00-9:30pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 12 noon at St. Joseph Church. Interment Long Island National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice, in her name appreciated. Please leave condolences at www.boyd-spencer.com