Rocco Becce Obituary

Reprinted from Republican Obituaries

Rocco M. Becce
Last local farm owner

WATERBURY — Mr. Rocco M. Becce, age 93, of Farmwood Avenue, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at his home. He was the devoted husband of Beatrice (Ferguson) Becce.

Mr. Becce was born Oct. 1, 1918, in Waterbury, son of the late Vito and Lucia (Santorsa) Becce. Rocky was a hard working farmer and worked diligently in his garden into his 90th year. He produced a prolific garden and often gave away much of the bounty. He would often be seen bringing greens and pumpkin flowers to his sisters and friends.

He kept the family farm, which was started by his father, Vito, operating until 2010 when he was no longer able to care for his beloved cows. He had his favorites among his animals: "My Girl", his prized pig, and Bully the Bull, who once made a break for freedom and had to be escorted home with the assistance of the authorities.

In his younger days, he loved to hunt and fish. His happiest days were spent hanging out with his buddies at the garage, getting a car ready for the stock car races.

In addition to his loving wife of 67 years, Beatrice, Rocco leaves behind his five children and their families: Beatrice Avcollie of Eureka, Calif., Rocco and Judy Becce of Thomaston, Vito and Lenora Becce of Thomaston, Daniel and Kathy Becce of Waterbury and Lucia and John Justice of Bostik, N.C.; and his nine grandchildren, Todd Avcollie, Michael Avcollie and his wife, Calista Young, Theodore Becce, Hallie (Becce) Hannon and husband, John, Cassie Becce, Chelsey Becce, Daniel Becce Jr. and his wife, Melissa, Michele (Justice) Ladd and her husband, Desmond, and Melissa (Justice) Chapman and her husband, Nick. He also leaves 12 great-grandchildren, Sammy Becce, Hayden Becce, Theodore Becce, Jolie Becce, Alder Young Avcollie, Mateo Young Avcollie, Annika Young Avcollie, Mallory Hannon, Seth Hannon, Skylar Ladd, Peyton Ladd and Giovanni Chapman; his two loving sisters, Antoinette Padula and Victoria Semprini; as well as many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Rocky is predeceased by his sisters, Arcangela Scarpa and Rose Clapps, and his brother, Pasquale, who died in childhood.

The Becce family would like to thank the wonderful aides that cared for him during the past 10 months: Marissa, Kathleen, Patti, Christina, Lorrissa, Pam and Jean of Compassionate Companions as well as the entire staff of the VNA of Hartford Healthcare.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury, with a service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Rocco's name may be made to the VNA of Hartford Healthcare, 103 Woodland St., No. 1, Hartford 06105. For more information and online condolences, please visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.