Diann R. (Rocco) Gorea

Diann Rocco Gorea, an extraordinary woman, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, Thursday, April 23, 2026, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Diann was born in Utica, NY on August 30, 1960, a daughter of Joseph G. Rocco Jr. and the late Rita (Inserra) Rocco. She was educated in local schools and a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School.

Diann worked for many years as a nail technician, in Syracuse, until returning to Utica. In 1987, she met and was pursued by Jon Gorea. She eventually gave in, and the couple was married on April 21, 1990. It was at that time that Diann took on the role she was born to play - that of wife, mother, and most recently Nonnie. Her family were everything to her. She loved hosting family events and holidays and always made her guests feel special. Although she was a consummate hostess and an excellent baker and cook, she rarely ate her own cooking, always maintaining a strict diet. She was a health nut and looked forward to her daily workouts.

Diann held a 3rd degree black belt in Hupkwondo, training with Master Garrett for over 20 years. She was a true martial artist, who possessed an indomitable spirit. Diann was also an entrepreneur. She owned and operated Keep It Off Fitness, a boutique fitness studio, for many years and helped so many obtain their health and fitness goals.

Although Diann hated the cold, her love for her husband and his passion for skiing led them to spend winters in the Adirondacks, specifically Gore Mountain, or as their friends would say, “Gorea Mountain”. They eventually built their own ski house, where many happy memories were made. Diann’s culinary and baking skills, along with her sense of humor, made everything special there, and as always with the Goreas, there were lots of laughs. Diann was an accomplished skier and referred to herself as a “professional intermediate”. Despite wanting to avoid the cold weather, she would eventually ski some of the best mountains in Europe.

Diann shared special relationships with not only her daughters and granddaughter, but also with her sisters and their daughters, Erica and Amanda, who were more like daughters than nieces.

Surviving are her beloved husband, Jon; daughters, Tiffany Gorea, and Nikki Tomidy (Greg); beloved granddaughter, Giulianna; father, Joseph Rocco; sisters, Renee Rocco and Susan Rocco (Nicky Salerno); nephews, Paul Michael Julian, Joseph Rocco, Hunter Rocco, Anthony Gorea, and Gregory Jon Gorea; nieces, Erica Macera (Ron), Amanda Frattasio, and Samantha Dalbis (Nick); great nephews, Juliano Macera and Rocco Macera; aunts, Dolores “Dee Dee” Carrock and Josephine Rocco; in-laws, Judy Gorea and Gayle Pulizzi, and Greg and Dena Gorea; cousin, Cora Alsante Chirco (Joe), who was like a sister to her; and many other beloved family and special friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Rita; brother, Joey; and in-laws, John and Jacqui Gorea.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, April 29th, at 1:30 p.m., at Historic Old St. John’s Church. Entombment will be in the family mausoleum at St. Agnes Cemetery.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rahul Seth of Upstate Medical Cancer Center and Dr. Katherine Mager of Roswell Park Cancer Center, for the care and compassion shown to Diann throughout her illness.

In Diann’s memory and lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Upstate Medical Cancer Center at upstate.edu/cancer  or Roswell Park Cancer Center at roswellpark.org

Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

Online memorial at MattFuneralHome.com

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