Rocky J. Tolla

Rocky Joseph Tolla, age 87, from Lake Suzy Florida, passed peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, June 10, 2022 at his daughter’s home in Danbury, CT. Rocky was born in Stamford, Connecticut on February 6, 1935, to parents Anthony and Anna (Duddie) Tolla. He grew up in Stamford, CT. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Katherine and they moved to Norwalk and then later Danbury. In 1995, they moved to Florida, which became their primary residence.

Rocky had many careers and talents. At the age of 17 years old, his dad passed away and he became the man of the house, taking care of his mom and younger sister. After high school, he worked full time at Bunkaramo as an electrical engineer while attending night school to complete his engineering degree. His last job was with Perkin Elmer, an aerospace company in Norwalk and Danbury, where he had to be cleared by the FBI to work on secure, government operations including The” H” top secret spy satellite, which was declassified in 2011.

In between those years, one of his dreams was to have his own restaurant, which he did achieve in the early 70s. After selling his restaurant, he became the General Manager of the Holiday Inn in Norwalk, CT where he oversaw the Restaurant and all banquet functions.

After leaving the Holiday Inn, he and his wife Kathy, along with their son, Mark, became partners of the restaurant at the Golf Club in Silvermine, CT. A few years later, they owned and operated three food trucks in the greater Danbury area.

Rocky leaves behind his daughter Roxane, and son-in-law Michael Angotta of Danbury, Connecticut, his son Mark Tolla and his spouse Jennifer Bauer of East Haven, Connecticut, and his nephew Anthony Romaniello of Florida, along with his grandchildren Dana Angotta, Michael Angotta, Brittany Tolla and Shelby Tolla.

He is predeceased by his wife, Katherine, whom he was devoted and loved for 65 years of marriage and spent every day with until she passed away last February, 2021, their son Ricky Tolla, Rocky’s parents Anna and Anthony Tolla, and a sister Stella Romaniello. He will now be reunited with them all forever.

Rocky will be remembered for his infectious smile, positive attitude, and witty sense of humor. He was very kind and enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family and was so proud of them, especially his grandchildren. They brought him so much joy! Rocky had many close friends throughout his life, and in his later years, he loved hanging out with his buddies around the neighborhood in Lake Suzy, Florida.

Rocky was an avid golfer and also loved to dance, play card games, and chess. He was artistic, creative, and a handyman. He enjoyed remodeling all the homes he lived in over the decades. One of Rocky’s most precious and treasured memories in the last few years was discovering a new talent for building sand sculptures with his granddaughter Dana, and they even won a few contests on the Jersey Shore.

He lived his life fully up until the day the Lord took him home. When he received his diagnosis last June of terminal lung cancer and was given a year to live, he said, “If the Lord takes me today I am ready to go! I lived a full and happy life and was blessed with my family and a wife of 65 years. What more could I ask for?” He spent the rest of his days dancing, laughing, telling stories about his life, going out for family dinners, and watching his Yankees on TV. He never wanted anyone to feel sorry for him, or be a burden; rather he was selfless and always concerned about others. He was never bitter or resentful and instead chose to live with dignity, humor, gratitude, and love.

He will always remain in our hearts and never be forgotten. May Rocky rest in the loving arms of Jesus and His Blessed Mother Mary until we meet again.

There will be a funeral mass for Rocky on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 11:30 am at St Elizabeth Seton Church on 520 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield CT 06877