Rocco A Damiano

Born in White Plains, NY Departed on April 18, 2019 and resided in Purchase, NYVisitation: Ballard Durand - White PlainsTuesday April 23, 2019 3:00pm to 8:00pmFuneral Service: St Anthony of Padua ChurchWednesday April 24, 2019 11:00amBurial: Greenwood Union CemeteryWednesday April 24, 2019 Following Service

In the early morning of April 18, 2019 Rocco Damiano passed away, loved and surrounded by his family. Rocco, the loving father and husband that he was, lives in the hearts of those who knew them. He was a selfless and devoted family man, to all those close to him. Rocco was born in White Plains, New York, to the late Gaetano Damiano & Phyllis Portanova. He was predeceased by his loving twin sisters, Joanne Pierce & Jeanne Damiano. He was also predeceased by his loving in-laws, Vincent & Ann Grillo of West Harrison, and his loving dog Pearly Girl. He is survived by his devoted and beloved wife, Ann Jerie Grillo Damiano of Purchase, his cherished and loving beautiful daughter, Barbara Ann Cirocco, and his son-in-law Robbie Cirocco (the son he never had) of West Harrison and his grand-dog Sophie. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Rose Marie Longo of N White Plains and Florence Controneo, of Rome, (whom he loved so much), his brother-in-law, Joe Grillo & Lisa Hurley of West Harrison, his sister-in-law Donna Ciccone of Riverdale, many nieces and nephews and cousins, and his beloved and adored Bichon, Belle, who gave him much comfort and love. Rocco worked hard to give his wife and daughter their French cottage in Purchase, he worked for twenty-three years for the United Parcel Service, until he had to retire because of two massive heart attacks. He was also a member of the Air National Guard. Rocco also worked part-time for Carriage House flowers, he loved gardening and landscaping his home. Everyone who passed by their home commented on the beauty of the flowers and the shrubs he planted and created; his passion was working outside in his garden and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. He loved his Bichon pets, Pearly Girl & Belle. Rocco always thought of his family first, never himself, his heart was filled with love and compassion. He took care of his wife when she developed breast cancer; doing everything he could to make her life easier and comfortable. He cherished and loved his wife deeply. Their favorite vacation was when they went to Montreal, Canada and have beautiful memories of that gorgeous country. Rocco loved spending time with his family, especially on Sunday afternoons, where they would gather at their homes and enjoyed dinners together. Rocco also enjoyed spending wonderful summer days at Joe's summer house on Short Beach in Connecticut, he would enjoy the beautiful sunshine, the peaceful sound of the water on Long Island Sound and just being happy with his family. During his illness, his loving daughter, Barbara Ann and his son-in-law, Robbie, did everything in their power to take care of their dad. His daughter took a leave of absence from her teaching position to be with her dad each and every day, making sure he was comfortable and safe. Rocco & Annie had a beautiful marriage, everything they did was together, they helped each other through all their illnesses and took care of each other faithfully, they met later on after high school; they started dating and fell in love, became engaged and married and had their daughter Barbara Ann. A beautiful love story, perhaps like no other human being in our lives that truly knows who we are, the meshing of our hearts and souls, this was who Rocco and Ann were. A special thank you to my daughter's in-law Sharon & Peter Cirocco, also thank you to our Temple Israel Center family, clergy, doctors and our relatives and friends who gave love, comfort and support through the most difficult time. Rocco never complained and fought a hard and valiant battle each and every day, he had great strength and wanted to live to be with his family. "I will love you forever my darling, my heart is broken, my life is empty, but you will always be with me, in my heart, I will carry you with me each and every day until we are together again forever, I will love you beyond the end of time, your loving wife, Annie."
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rocco's memory to the American Heart Association, Calvary Hospital, Attention: Calvary Fund, 1740 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10461.