Rocco Luigi Natarelli

Beloved husband of the late Lidia (nee Ferrantone). Loving father of Michelle (Luigi Ferrari) and Nick (Lucia Di Sapia Natarelli). Cherished Nonno to Anthony, Luca and Gabrielle. Rocco will be loved and deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

Due to the current COVID restrictions, visitation and services will be for private family only.

Rocco was known for his generosity and devotion. In memory of Rocco, donations to the Good Shepherd Ministries would be greatly appreciated by the family.

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Dear Nonno,

I cannot believe that it has already been over 2 months since you passed away Nonno. 2020 was already a difficult year full of sacrifices and lost time, but then you left us just before the Christmas season, a special time of year that is filled with such cherished family memories. You used to love helping decorate the Christmas tree with me, Luca, Mom and Nonna, not to mention your annual presepio masterpieces that was a fusion of the Nativity Scene and Santa's Village. The most important thing that I will deeply miss, is all of us sitting at the table enjoying Christmas lunch, sharing stories and spending time with each other.

In 2018, when Nonna Lidia passed away, I was left heartbroken, as she was always there for me throughout my childhood, taking care of me after high school with those special afternoon pre-dinner triple decker nutella sandwiches and during University when I needed an escape from the stresses of life and school. She was always super comforting and made me feel like a young child every time we were together, as if she made life simpler and that much easier to cope with and understand.

I was very fortunate that during this difficult period that I had my Nonno Rocco still in my life as a reminder of their incredible influence that shaped me into the person I have become today. He became my rock these past few years and every time we were together, it would rekindle those happy moments.

My grandfather led an incredible, memorable and inspiring life. Coming from Italy alongside my Nonna as newlyweds, they made a better life here in Toronto and raised a beautiful family. Their lives had not been free of hardships as tragically their first daughter Maria Pia, died from a pulmonary disease at 4 years of age. They went on to raise two children in Michelle (my mom) and Nick (my Uncle). My Nonno Rocco was a super ambitious, articulate and an entrepreneur in every sense from his multitude of career paths he embraced.

He transitioned from owning his own bakery (Paolucci Bakery), owning a dry-cleaning business (Rocky Cleaners), to a career as a tailor, was a Real Estate Agent for a few years, he even played a "Priest" in a Comedy Drama back in 1981 "Heartaches". Apart from these experiences, my Nonno will forever be remembered as a loving father and caring grandfather.

Luca and I, will always remember watching soccer, hockey, the World Cup and sporting events alongside our Nonno. We loved watching Seria A together on weekends and Nonno was a lifelong tifoso of Juventus, which is the primary reason my brother and I are devoted Juventus soccer fans as well. However, it is equally important at pointing out that Nonno was quick to criticize the Italian national team players or soccer players in general for their poor performances, his favourite term "bunch of money makers".

Both my Nonno and Nonna loved to welcome people into their home for a friendly conversation or tasty meal. The front porch is where you would often find my grandfather smiling with friends and family, as they enjoyed an espresso, some of Nonna's

delicious cookies or some "mio gassosa".

We would often tease my Nonno for always being dressed in a shirt and tie, but he told us that this is the only way to dress, and even though we tried over the years to convert him to casual, this was never going to happen.

I will miss our friendly conversations and your helpful advice, but most of all, I will deeply miss that nightly phone call around 8:00 p.m. that you were going to sleep and that everything was fine.

Nonno Rocco I miss you so very much and I often pray to have the power to turn back time but I realize that such a concept is just the stuff of dreams. I will now have continue my lifes journey without you by my side, but one thing is certain you will always be

there protecting me, guiding me and watching over me.

Ti raccomando Nonno, essere responsabile!

Anthony Ferrari