More detail on this person: Francis Michael Rocchi, of Heath, born April 19, 1945 in Boston, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him on August 10, 2016. Frank lived a spectacular 71 years, enjoying fantastic health and high spirits until the very, very end. Dancing Franks friends and family will dearly miss his long-winded radical ideas, his passionate dinner table debates, his sneaky sense of humor, and, of course, his groovy dance moves. But Frank had no intentions of ever growing old. He leaves behind the love of his life, his wife of 32 years, Ann (Snow) of Heath, daughters, Amelia and Alice of Boston, son, Fran and wife Lisa and grandchildren, Nolan and Damon, of Plymouth. Frank also leaves behind his older brother Michael Rocchi and wife, Glenda of Plymouth. He leaves cousins, aunts, uncles, several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and nephews, with two on the way. Frank grew up in Bourne, and graduated from Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, MA. He attended classes at Southeastern Massachusetts University. He lived a life of service, first, as Chief Warrant Officer II - Helicopter Pilot, Aircraft Commander, and Instructor Pilot for the Army during the Vietnam War. He then began a career as a Social Worker for the Department of Transitional Assistance and served as Steward and Vice President of the western region for Local Union 509, SEIU. Franks retirement after 33 years with the state was short-lived. He spent his final years as a Quality Assurance Worker for the U.S. Census Bureau and with the United States Postal Service, where he loved sporting wild ties and greeting the townsfolk at the Shelburne Falls Post Office. He was happiest at his home in the countryside of Heath with his dog Sparky, caring for his gardens, and the birds and animals. He took up hang gliding on his 70th birthday. He loved golf, hiking, skiing, tennis, New England sports, and chess. He was former Chair of the Heath Finance Committee, member of the local education committee, community volunteer, and co-creator of a league of girls softball and basketball teams for West County, coaching the Heath teams. While Frank was known to family and friends as a peaceful soul, he was also a proud Democratic Socialist and stubborn Anarchist who fiercely fought for justice, and the underdog. Though a proud Bernie Sanders supporter, he was nonetheless looking forward to casting his vote for the Democratic ticket in November. We will celebrate Franks life, including dancing, on September 18th, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Berkshire East Mountain Resort, 66 Thunder Mountain Road, Charlemont, MA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. Arrangements entrusted to cartmelldavis.com
This information was last updated 08/22/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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