Rocco Robert Polini

Born in Hazleton, PA he was the son of Enrico and Antonia (Georgio) Polini. He graduated from Hazleton High School in the Class of 1955. After graduation he joined the US Marine Corps in the 3rd Marine Division stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Following his military service, he attended diesel mechanic school before moving to Southern California in the 1960s. He worked various jobs and eventually took up work as a union diesel mechanic with Operating Engineers Local 12 until his retirement in 1995.

He met his wife Virginia through mutual friends. They married in 1986 and enjoyed 37 years of marriage together. He was the proud step-father of Virginia’s daughter Naomi.

Rocco was a very kind, generous and thoughtful person. He was handy and always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, neighbors or whoever needed it. In retirement, he volunteered at the Food bank at St Stephens Martyr Church in Monterey Park. One memorable Thanksgiving he filled the entire bed of his pickup truck with frozen turkeys to bring to the food bank.

He enjoyed tending his vegetable garden, making trips to visit friends and family, to many national parks, and an Alaskan cruise. He was proud of his Italian heritage and regularly attended the Georgio Family Reunion in Pennsylvania. He loved all of the many dogs Naomi brought home through the years.

He is survived by his wife Virginia (Martinez), step-daughter Naomi Gonzales, sister Rosella (Polini) Sheppard of Hazle Township, PA and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings- Paul, infant Rocco, Joseph, Daniel, Angeline (Jeanie), and Leonard.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7th 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Pierce Brothers Turner & Stevens Mortuary (1136 E Las Tunas Dr, San Gabriel, CA 91776). A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 8th 2023 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at the St. Stephens Martyr Catholic Church (320 W Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.PBturnerstevens.com for the Polini family.