Rocky Joseph Logozzo

Rocky Joseph Logozzo passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 14, 2014. He was blessed with 97 wonderful years on this earth. Rocky was born in Seattle, WA, on July 23, 1916, to Samuel and Elsie Logozzo. He was raised and educated in Yakima, attending St. Joseph Academy and graduating from Yakima High in 1935.

The depression certainly made its mark on his work philosophy - do a good day’s work, don't stand around, find something to do even if it's picking up a broom and sweeping. He never waivered from working hard to earn a good living. In 1939, Rocky earned 75 cents an hour working on the Terrace Heights Bridge. From 1939 to 1942, he worked on the Rosa Canal project. Both of these jobs required stamina and strength. He saved his money, buying his first ranch in 1940 in Inglewood Heights.

Rocky married Marjorie Colson on March 17, 1946. In 1952, they moved to Grandview, WA, where they continued to farm and raise their family. This was a wonderful opportunity as, over time, he and Marjorie built a successful business. It became a family affair. The Grandview Fruit Ranch was a place where many relationships were formed along with wonderful heartfelt memories. Rocky could often be found under a shade tree laughing and joking with fellow farmers. There was always something going on and, if someone stopped by, they were gladly welcomed to take part in the activity.

As their children grew up and moved away, a second generation worked alongside their grandparents, in the same manner their parents did. After 42 years in Grandview, Rocky retired and he and Marjorie moved to his hometown of Yakima, where they continued to live very active lives. He'd often reference retirement as "every day is a Sunday". During this time he loved to be involved with his Organ Club, continued to collect cars, and loved the new neighbors that became part of his life. He replaced his farming abilities to keeping a beautiful, well-groomed yard, enjoying each season of the year. Both he and Marjorie loved to glean and dehydrate fruit for friends and family. Living close to his sisters and brother allowed many good times to be shared. He continued to travel the Yakima Valley visiting with old friends and his son, Mike, who still had a ranch at that time.

In his final years, he and Marjorie moved to Edmonds, WA, to live with their daughter, Lorraine, and her husband, Stephen List. They enjoyed making new friends in the neighborhood and soon became comfortable in their surroundings. Both Rocky and Marjorie were blessed to be in such a loving, nurturing environment, thanks to the wonderful care they received from Lorraine and Stephen.

Marjorie passed away, February 25, 2011, after 65 years of marriage. Rocky lost his soul mate but continued to live in good health with the support of his family.

Rocky was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents, Sam and Elsie Logozzo; his sisters, Rachel Logozzo, Amelia Gasperetti, and Rose Carnevali; and his brothers, Andy Logozzo, and Fred D’Amico. He is survived by his five children, Michael (Brenda) Logozzo of Kennewick, WA; Renee (Robert) Marchand of Coulee Dam, WA; Lorraine (Stephen) List of Edmonds, WA; Rachel (Joe) Eggertsen of Ridgefield, WA; and Samuel (Jeannine) Logozzo of Hayden, ID; and his ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Service will be at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 20, at the Keith & Keith Ninth Avenue Chapel, 902 West Yakima Avenue. Graveside committal will be at 10:00AM Friday, March 21, at Calvary Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Evergreen Hospice for their excellent care of Rocky through his final days.

His children would like to share their sentiment about their father:

“Dad, the sparkle in your eyes, smile on your face, and approach to life will live in our hearts forever. You lived a long life of integrity and generosity. You were always there to love and help when needed. You did so with no fanfare, asking no thanks. Your family will miss you beyond words.”

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Salvation Army of Yakima or any charity of your choice,

in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.