Rocco Anthony Briante, "Our Rock," died on December 8, 2009, in the home he built for his family in Thornwood, NY at the age of 77. Rocco was born January 14, 1932 in White Plains to Anthony and Lecia (DeSepio) Briante. He graduated from White Plains H.S. in 1949 and attended Westchester Community College. He proudly served in the Korean Conflict obtaining the rank of Sergeant 1st class. On November 15, 1958, Rocco married Rosita Tartaglia at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in White Plains, built by his grandfather. Rocco carried on the legacy as President of Briante Building Corporation. Under his Leadership, the company built several local churches including Holy Name of Jesus, Holy Rosary, St. Nicholas of Myra, St Patrick's, and St. Elizabeth Seton; additionally he built many schools, libraries, fire stations, prisons, and health care. facilities. Rocco was dedicated to both civic and professional associations as evidenced by membership in the Rotary Club of Hawthorne, N.Y., the School Board of Holy Name of Jesus, the Knights of Columbus and was vice president of the Kensico Little League. He was a member of the General Building Contractors of N.Y.S., the Board of Directors of the Building Trades Employers Association, and the Builders Institute of Westchester County. Rocco had the pleasure of working for a wide range of corporate clients, his final project being the Westchester County Airport. He took great pride in his classic, self restored 50's T-Birds. He enjoyed spending time with his family at home or in the house he built in Columbia County. Rocco is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years and seven loving children: Rocco Jr. (Lisa); Christopher (Kate); Greg (Kathleen); David (Daniela) Briante; Laura Lee (Darryl) Chambers; Linda (Kenneth) Luzon; Marie (Frank) Squillante and 15 cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Dolores Briante and Elizabeth Hradek, his brother Anthony (Pam), his brother-in-law Patrick Tartaglia (Connie) cousins, nieces, and nephews. Reposing, Hawthorne Funeral Home on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Funeral Mass, Holy Name of Jesus Church, Valhalla, N.Y. on Saturday 10 AM. Interment, Mt.Calvary Cemetery, Greenburgh, N.Y.
Born in White Plains, New York on Jan. 14, 1932
Departed on Dec. 8, 2009 and resided in Thornwood, NY.
Visitation: Friday, Dec. 11, 2009
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
- 9:00 pm
Mass: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009
10:00 am - 10:45 am
Cemetery: Mount Calvary Cemetery