Carl Joseph 'Joe' Rocco, The Rock, was born on March 6, 1929 to John and Carmela Rocco in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe grew up on a farm and worked on the farm with his father and siblings. He carried his love of farming and harvested his own unique crops everywhere he lived; from papayas to grape vines. Joe served in the US Army during the Korean War and remained in the military for 30 years. Joe loved music and played alto sax and flute. His love of music led him to play in many bands including the US Army band. His MO in the Army was communications and electronics, his other great passion in life. He met and married Mary Lucy Peters in 1957. What a celebration it was at St. Maron's Church in Cleveland. Together they raised six children, John Jude ‘JJ’, the twins Jodie and Linda, Mary Jo, Joseph and Ben. JJ had cerebral palsy. He wanted to be a Boy Scout like all the other boys. As there were no options for handicapped children at this time, Joe, while stationed in Hawaii, started and led a Boy Scout troop for handicapped boys. Throughout his 30-year military career, Joe, his wife Mary and their family traveled and lived all over the world; Hawaii, Germany, GA, VA, Lebanon, France, Italy, and many places in between. Joe was a devout Roman Catholic and a true dedicated American patriot. He retired from the military in 1979 and moved to Las Vegas with his family where he resided for 40 years. During that time, he met the Husney's and worked in their business, Exchange Services, for 28 years. Joe is preceded in death by his son John Jude ‘JJ’, and his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary. He was the oldest living Rocco on record and was preceded in death by his 11 siblings, John, Linda, Lorraine, James, Ben, Marlene, Sarah, Frances, June Ann, Helen, and cousin Angela who was like a sister. He is survived by his five living children; his grandchildren Brianne, Louis, Christa, Cathryn, Mia, Nicholas; great-grandchildren Hannah, Neko, and Joshua 'JJ'; and hundreds of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all.
