Rocco Antonio Racioppo
elevated esr2m February 4, 1947 ~ September 4, 2026
elevated esr2m Visitation
Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
Cardinal Carter & Cardinal Ambrozic Rooms
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated esr2m Funeral Mass
Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated esr2m Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
elevated esr2m Rocco Antonio Racioppo left us late in the evening of September 4, 2026, peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of family, education, and service to others.
elevated esr2m Born February 4,1947 in Monteleone, Puglia, Italy, to Giovanni and Rosaria Racioppo, Rocco was surrounded from his earliest days by a tight-knit family of loving Nonni, Zias, Zios, and cousins. He was a curious and spirited boy who loved to explore his world, which sometimes led to mischief and trouble (but lots of great stories!). In 1954, Rocco and his mother moved to Canada to join his father, and their family grew with the addition of his beloved siblings, brother Leonardo (Vivian and John) and his sister, Maria (Domenic). Rocco loved spending time with his whole family.
elevated esr2m At a street festival on Canada Day 1967, he asked a beautiful blonde for a dance. In 1973, he married her. Sandy was the love of his life and his greatest supporter. Through marriage he gained siblings Ed (Barb), Diane (John) and Ron (Shelley), and many nieces and nephews. In 53 years of marriage, Rocco and Sandy built a close family of three children: Gina (Andy), Christa (Tim), and Antonio (Monika). The love and joy in their lives grew as they welcomed five beloved grandchildren; Abigail, Kaleb, Reznor, Nico, and Atticus.
elevated esr2m Rocco maintained his boyhood curiosity throughout his life, and he loved new challenges . He was athletic, and played soccer, hockey, and golf. He was a skilled woodworker, landscaper, and gardener. He learned shoe repair and construction and could fix anything you left on his workbench in the basement. He often told his children about his struggles at school and the hard work it took to overcome them. After studying at the University of Waterloo, he decided to pursue a career in education. He worked as a special education and mathematics teacher, and later as a vice principal and principal. Rocco fostered an atmosphere of discipline and high expectations in his school but his students knew his love for them. He was constantly present at school events, played lunchtime card games, engaged in conversations in the school cafeteria, and showed compassion and care for students who were struggling.
elevated esr2m Rocco’s belief in the importance of service to others was shaped by his experiences of belonging to a close-knit family and working in school communities. He was the first person to volunteer to help out family members with big projects like landscaping and renovations, and he was always happy to share his wisdom and give advice. He was an active community member at his churches in Mississauga and Brooklin, serving as a Knight of Columbus, and most recently, as a member of his parish’s St.Vincent De Paul Society. He never shied away from an opportunity to be helpful to others, sharing the strength and love that his family knows so well with his community.
elevated esr2m For all of these reasons, and for the millions of other reasons we hold in our hearts, Rocco will be greatly missed.
elevated esr2m In lieu of flowers, donations to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation (https://www.pphfoundation.ca/) or the St. Leo branch of St. Vincent de Paul (Svdpbrooklin@outlook.com) are appreciated.
So sorry Sandy. Rock was the ROCK of your family. He will be missed by all our family. Our prayers for the
family.
Dear Sandy and family. I read this beautiful obituary, and wasn’t surprised one little bit about Rocco’s contribution to the care of those with less.
We worked alongside each other at St Vincent’s kitchen in Oshawa serving meals to the poor, and then visiting Neighbours in Need through the Society of St Vincent de Paul. He truly was God’s servant on Earth. I will really miss him.
He was a good man, father and husband. Taken from us too early. Will be missed.
May the cherished memories of Rocco bring you comfort in this time of sorrow. My deepest sympathies.”
Sandy and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rocco. Sincere condolences to you all! May he rest in peace !
Dino and I, and our whole family, are saddened by the passing of Rocco. His love, support, and service to family, friends, his students, and his community are so inspirational. He will be truly missed and never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace in the arms of Our Lord.
Our greatest and deepest condolences to family (Mary and Domenico) although we did not know Rocco personally the great times you shared with us we feel so close to him. May these memories provide comfort during this difficult time.May he RIP
I met Rocco through our Saint Vincent de Paul conference at St. Leo’s parish in Brooklin. We were partners a few times and I was always impressed with Rocco ‘s patience and compassion for our neighbours in need. He counselled wisely and with humour and he will be sorely missed. He was a true gentleman.
Dear Sandy and family,
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved Rocco. Rocco will undoubtedly be remembered by former staff and students at Fr. Michael Goetz as a dedicated, compassionate and generous VP and Principal. Rocco understood that building a thriving community meant building trust, nourishing inclusivity and encouraging collaboration. An other important belief Rocco underscored was to also have fun! I am grateful to have worked with Rocco. Pace 🕊️
Our deepest condolences to Sandy and family on the passing of Rocco. My husband Austin was his dentist and friend! Rocco always had a big smile for everyone and a good story to tell! We will miss him dearly.