Mr. Biagio LaRocca, age 96 of Discovery Bay, California passed away on Monday, November 12, 2018. Biagio was born August 14, 1922 and was the youngest of 11 children. His parents, Biagio and Carmela were originally from Sicily,Italy but moved to Santa Fe, Argentina to find work and have a better life for their young family. Later, after Biagio Jr. was born, the family moved back to Sicily and settled in a small town called Piedemonte, which is not far from Mt. Etna.
Biagio went to school and worked in the fields with his parents until he joined the military and served as a medic in the Italian Army. It was during that time and World War II that his military unit worked along side the United States Allied Forces. After the war, Biagio opened his own small grocery store and helped his family prosper. During this period one day, while buying supplies, he saw a beautiful young woman from afar and knew he wanted to make her his wife. It took much persuading, but Natalina Intelisano became his bride on February 7, 1948 in Calatabiano, Sicily. Aspirations of having a better life never left Biagio. His dream now was to go to America and he did! He worked 3 jobs, studied for his citizenship, made his own wine, bought real estate and slowly brought his entire family to the United States of America.....The land of opportunity! Biagio and Natalina raised four children in Syracuse, N.Y. Mellina, Rosa, Biagio and Natalie. After the oldest daughter married and moved to Northern California, the rest of the family, including Biagio and Natalina also made California their home.
Biagio, the youngest of his 11 siblings, was the last to pass on. His siblings that preceded him were Lorenzo LaRocca, Anna LaRocca, Ignacio LaRocca, Angela Arcidiacono, Louise Patane, Sebastiano LaRocca, Rosaria Vasta, and Rosa Gervasi.
Biagio leaves behind a wonderful legacy and a family that loved him very much. His beloved wife, Natalina, children, Mellina LaRocca, Rosa and Jerry Day, Biagio and Audrey LaRocca, Natalie and Brian Barthelow. Eight Grandchildren, Natalina and Tony Kinnis, Anthony Gonzalez, Domenica and Jerrold Lewis, Natalia Liberty LaRocca, Biagio Daniel LaRocca, Savannah Rose Day, Noah Biagio Barthelow and Layla Natalina Barthelow. Five Great Grandchildren, Aaron and Nakell Huck, Keiyon McDonald, Enzo Lewis, Sicily Mellina Lewis and Isabella Marcella Kinnis. Three Great, Great Grandchildren, Avery Huck, Stout Huck and Heaven McDonald.
Biagio also leaves behind many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins that live in Argentina, Australia, Italy and throughout the United States. One can say that Biagio's dreams and aspirations helped shape the lives of so many people including those of generations to come. R.I.P. Biagio!
A Mass Service will be held for Biagio on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Anne Catholic Church, Camino Diablo Rd. and McCabe Rd., Byron, CA 94514. Refreshments will be served immediately after.
The visitation and then funeral will occur Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lima Family Milpitas-Fremont Mortuary, 48800 Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539.
There will be a Celebration of Life luncheon following the funeral services at;
Spin A Yarn Restaurant
45915 Warm Springs Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94539
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.limafamilycedarlawn.com for the
LaRocca family.
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