Rocco F. Del Zoppo, 83, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Sunday April 19, 2009 at Elderwood Healthcare at Riverwood on Grand Island, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Donato and Flavia (Orlando) Del Zoppo.

Rocco was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls and attended local schools including St. Joseph School, Niagara Falls High School and Trott Vocational High School. During World War II he served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class from April 26, 1944 until his honorable discharge on June 23, 1946 and was the recipient of an American Theatre Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. On June 17, 1950 he married Elanda (Ventresca) DelZoppo at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Rocco worked at DiCamillo's Bakery in Niagara Falls, and went on to become a bricklayer working with the Bricklayers Union Local #2 in Niagara Falls from 1947 until his retirement in 1976. During that time he also served as a former officer and recording secretary of the union. In his leisure time, Rocco enjoyed writing poetry and short stories. He was passionate about music and playing the piano, and also enjoyed repairing small engines. Above all Rocco took great pleasure in spending time with his family and friends, and especially looked forward to the annual Del Zoppo Family Reunion Picnic.

In addition to his wife of fifty eight years, Mr. Del Zoppo is survived by his four sons; Robert J. (Patricia) Del Zoppo of Cicero, NY; David J. (Linda) Del Zoppo of Loxahatchee, FL; Gerald P. (Gail) Del Zoppo and John D. (Ruth) Del Zoppo both of Niagara Falls, NY; eight grandchildren; Daniel Del Zoppo and Leanne Del Zoppo both of Cicero, NY; John Del Zoppo of Niagara Falls, NY; Rocco Del Zoppo and David Del Zoppo both of Loxahatchee, FL; Ben (Stacy) Del Zoppo, Tessa Del Zoppo and Noelle Del Zoppo all of Niagara Falls, NY; two brothers; Albert "Dick" (Dolly) Del Zoppo of Ludington, MI and Vincent "Jim" (Doreen) Del Zoppo of Niagara Falls, NY; one sister Bernadine (late Samuel) Pinizzotto of Niagara Falls, NY; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and his lifelong friends John and Dorothy Manfredo of Niagara Falls, NY. He was also predeceased by four brothers and two sisters; Thomas (late Emma) Del Zoppo, Orlando Del Zoppo, Mary (late Adolph) Molino, Phyllis (late Harold) Murphy, Adolph "Del" (Rita of Niagara Falls, NY) Del Zoppo and Americo (late Evelyn) Del Zoppo.

Friends may call on Thursday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Friday April 24th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul Parish at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 North Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Robert Hughson officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are gratefully declined.