Rocco D. Zendano Sr., 74, of Lewiston, NY died on Wednesday May 13, 2009 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Buffalo, NY he was the son of the late Daniel and Anna (Graziadei) Zendano.

Rocco attended schools in Buffalo and graduated from Grover Cleveland High School where he earned all high athlete honors in varsity baseball and track. On October 13, 1956 he married Evelyn (Vespa) Zendano, and together made their home in Niagara Falls. For more than forty years, Rocco worked as a laborer with Laborers Local 91 in Niagara Falls until his retirement in 1992. Rocco's enthusiasm and passion for sports continued throughout his life, as a dedicated coach and manager with the Midtown Little League for many years. His accomplishments were recognized with his induction into the Niagara Falls Old Timers Sports Hall of Fame. Rocco was also a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 247 in Niagara Falls.

In addition to his wife of fifty two years, Rocco leaves behind three children; Lisa A. (Ron) Chambers, Rocco D. Zendano Jr. both of Niagara Falls, NY and Daniel A. (Susanne) Zendano of Mineola, FL; his five grandchildren who were the light of his life; Alexandra, Anthony, Nicole, Danny and Domenic, three brothers; Isadore Zendano of North Tonawanda, NY; Anthony (Lily) Zendano of the Town of Tonawanda, NY; Nicholas Zendano of Amherst, NY, one sister Mary Paula Zendano of Hamburg, NY; one uncle Carmen Graziadei, one aunt Sue Adamo and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Zendano was the proud godfather of Diana Napier, Maria Korhummel, Salvatore Coniglio and David Zendano.

Friends may call on Friday from 3 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday May 16th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary of the Cataract Church, 259 Fourth Street, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Michael Burzynski, PhD. Officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Lewiston, NY.