Rocco Thomas Conte

Mr. Rocco Thomas Conte, 92, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at the Hope Healthcare Hospice, with his wife by his side. He was born in Missanello, Province of Potenza, Italy, on Sept 11, 1922, a son of Senatro and Mary Rose (Conti) Conte. The family moved to this country and Utica in 1932, where he was raised and educated in local schools. During WWII, Rock served our country in the US Army in the Asiatic and Pacific Theater. He attended the Modern School of Photography in NYC in 1947. On January 20, 1967, Rock was joined in marriage to the former Ruth Bruno. They have shared forty-seven loving years together. Mr. Conte was Chief of the Photo Lab at Griffiss Air Force Base for over thirty years. Rocco was active at the Senior Center and the American Legion in Lehigh Acres. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; three daughters and sons-in-law, Gail and Ken Wolfran of Yorkville, Lynda and Reinaldo Rosado, Jr of NYC, and Denise and Craig Gymburch of Rome, NY; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Conte of Deerfield, NY; seven grandchildren; Daniel and Amy Conte, Michele Conte, Christine and Matt Nodecker, Kimberly and Russell DeCarr, Krystal and Elio Varrenti, Leonard M. Atkins, Jr. and Callie Gymburch; six great grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Jay Conte; one sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Tom Gigliotti; and also many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Gary Conte; and his sister, Rose Petronella. Relatives are invited to attend The Celebration of his Life with Military Honors on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the First Assembly of God on Maynard Drive in Marcy, NY with Pastor Tim Burns officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In Rock's memory, donations may be made to Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres, FL or the First Assembly of God Church. Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

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