Joseph Roccaforte III

Joseph Roccaforte III, age 68, passed away suddenly on October 5, 2026. He was the devoted son of the late Joseph Jr. and the late Mary Joanne Roccaforte (nee Amella), loving brother of Marianne Roccaforte-Gardner (David Gardner) and Catherine Roccaforte-Probasco (Jeffrey), beloved uncle of AJ Roccaforte, and cherished nephew, cousin, colleague, and friend. Joe earned a B.A. degree from Saint Xavier University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Arizona State University, after which he worked for many years in hospital social services on Chicago’s Southwest Side. He found joy in visiting and exploring Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, appreciating rich cultural traditions across its many communities—and was a lifelong devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears. Most of all, he cared deeply about human kindness and connection. He will be remembered for his sharp intelligence, gentle humor, love for learning, and deep compassion. Visitation Friday, October 9, 10:30 at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd Street in Oak Lawn, followed by a brief Catholic service at 12:30. Entombment at St. Casimir Cemetery.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me. — Matthew 25: 35, 40