Rocco Cianciotto

Rocco Cianciotto, age 90 of Roanoke County, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

Born the son of Joseph and Eleanor Cianciotto on October 21, 1929, Rocco (Rocky) grew up playing sports. He went to Penn Township High School in McCullough PA where he lettered in baseball, football and basketball all 3 years. After graduating from high school in 1948, he worked for the McCullough Coal Mine and then at the Elliott Company in Jeannette PA.

His 4 year service in the Navy included Boot Camp in Providence RI, shore duty at New London CT, sea duty aboard the USS Orion and shore duty once again at Green Cove Springs, FL. In addition to his military duties, he enjoyed playing baseball, flag football, fast-pitch softball and bowling. After leaving the Navy in December of 1954, he returned to his hometown and went to work once again at the Elliott Company.

In October of 1955 he met Josephine (Josie) Blanche Hawanchak at a dance hall in Latrobe PA. They were engaged in December of 1955 and married on June 9, 1956. After marrying, Josie and Rocky moved to Greensburg in the spring of 1957. Shortly thereafter their son Jeffery and daughter Lisa were born. Rocky continued his work for the Elliott Company as a machine operator for 42 years, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, dancing, exercising, traveling/RVing and playing with his grandchildren. After bowling a perfect 300 in 1986, Rocky traded his bowling shoes for golf shoes and then became an avid golfer, lucky enough to even make a hole-in-one.

In 2008, Rocky and Josie moved to Roanoke Virginia to be near family where they continued to go to the gym, travel, hang out with family and friends, play Bunco, and, of course, golf … golfing his age many times. He always made time to watch his grandchildren’s events and provide humble words of encouragement.

After persevering through a battle with cancer in 2017, Rocky continued to enjoy and appreciate life. He passed away peacefully in his home on November 19th, 2019 surrounded by his family. He left behind a loving, devoted wife of 63 years, 2 children, and 5 grandchildren that will miss him very much!

A memorial mass will be 11:00 am Friday, November 29 at Church of the Transfiguration, 7624 Roanoke Road Fincastle with Rev. Fr. Stephen McNally presiding. The United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail will conduct military honors immediately following. A private burial will be conducted at a later date in Delmont, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rocco’s memory to Church of the Transfiguration, 7624 Roanoke Road, Fincastle, Virginia 24090.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.rader-funeralhome.com.

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