ROCCO VITA
September 10, 1937 - September 15, 2016
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Rocco Vita announces his passing on September 15th, 2016 with his loved ones by his side. To his final day, Rocco would light up a room with his beautiful smile.
Rocco was born September 10, 1937 in Scilla, Calabria, Italy. He immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings in 1963. Rocco was an extremely hard-working man and became a talented and respected bricklayer. Retiring in 1998, Rocco spent the last 20 years of his career at Canada Malting Co.
Rocco had many interests and passions. He lovingly tended to his vegetable garden and was a long-time member of the Italian Cultural Society. His favourite pastime was going fishing with his family of which they all have many fond memories. Most of all, Rocco treasured visits back to his hometown and going to the beach with his family.
Rocco will be lovingly remembered by his wife Felicia and his children: Grace (Roman), Domenic (Heather) and Sara. Nonno will be missed by his four adoring grandchildren: Nicole, Michelle, Michael and Emily. He is survived by his siblings: Clemente (Angela), Domenica, Angelina, Pina (Alex), Tony (Vincenza) and sister-in-law Rosa. Rocco was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews whom he cherished deeply and loved to spend time with.
Rocco was predeceased by his parents Domenico and Grazia Vita; brother Giovanni Vita; brother-in-law Carmelo Mancuso; niece Grace Vita (Bylund); nephew Rocco Vita and nephew Michael Vita.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 leaving the Harbourview Funeral Centre at 10:00 a.m. to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 123 Hilldale Road, for the Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini beginning at 10:30 a.m. Private entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, where the Prayer Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. Rocco and his family are extremely grateful for the extensive cardiac care received in Thunder Bay and London, Ontario. Donations in his memory may be made to the Northern Cardiac Fund or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Special thanks are extended to Rocco’s caring and dedicated medical team: TBRHSC, St. Elizabeth’s, CCAC, Dr. Scali, Dr. Nigro, Dr. Kissellgoff, Jeff Yahn (N.P.), Dr. Miller and the many compassionate nurses in 2C and 3C.
