Rocco “Rocky” Anthony Plaia, 78, returned to his heavenly home on September 17, 2021, after a valiant battle with cancer and COVID. Strengthened by his devotion to his family and his unrelenting competitive spirit, he battled valiantly over his last months – and his firm belief in God supported him in this struggle and ultimately gave him peace at the end. Rocky was born to the late Anthony and Sarah Plaia in Fairfield, AL on November 6, 1942. He was a stand-out athlete and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1960. He furthered his education and athletic career at the University of West Alabama (Livingston) graduating in 1964. Rocky was a member of the baseball and football programs from 1960 through 1964. During his football career, he was a two-way player at defensive back and quarterback for the Tigers. He led the Alabama Collegiate Conference in passing and was second in total offense during his junior season, garnering him second team all-ACC honors. He received more accolades for his senior campaign as he was named to the Birmingham Post Herald All-Alabama Small College first team, selected as a member of the all-ACC first team, and voted team MVP. As a baseball player, he started four years at shortstop, was named All-ACC all four seasons and was voted Captain. Rocky was inducted into the UWA Hall of Fame in 2010. Rocky continued to compete in athletics after college and went on to play in the Southern Professional Football League. He also played in the fast-pitch competitive softball league until 1975 where he won a World Series and was later inducted into the Central Alabama Softball Association Hall of Fame in 2012. Rocky will always be remembered for his tremendous sense of humor. He always had a quick response that made everyone around him smile and laugh with immense joy. Rocky was blessed with many friends and family throughout his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Leetha; his sons Joe (Andrea), Mike (Christa), Tony (Annette) and Zac Whaley; his daughters Katya and Yuyla Mattox (Chris); his grandchildren Isabella, Sophia, Gabriella, Maxim, Gray, Alex, Camden, Giuliana and Arianna; his favorite sister Mary Rose Conlin (Jon); his sister-in-law Denise Plaia; and his beloved Aunt Virginia Contorno. He is preceded in death by his brother, Sam, and his parents, Anthony and Sarah. A service will be held to celebrate the life of Rocky at Saint Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church on Thursday, September 23. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with mass to follow from 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. Following the mass, a procession will depart to Southern Heritage Funeral Home for burial services. Honorary pallbearers are Camden Plaia, Chris Pappas, Zac Whaley, Rocky Leo, Christopher Barnett, Ray Lebeau, Johnny Spivey and Dale Horton. Rocky lived a service-oriented life wherein he consistently volunteered and supported many organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the National Police Association. The greatest pleasure he found was visiting UAB Children’s Hospital where he was often found reading to critical care cancer children. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be given to the UAB Department of Pediatrics: Alabama Centers for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Hospital, 1600 7th Avenue South. ACC 512, Birmingham, AL 35233.
https://www.uab.edu/medicine/peds/research-pro/32-divisions/hematology-oncology/446-ways-to-give
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.southernheritagefunerals.com for the Plaia family.
