Rocco F. English

Rocco Frank English, “THE ROC” was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on January 30, 1919. He was born to John and Cora Demarsel English (Inglese), both of who were born in Italy. Roc was the youngest of their six children. He grew up in the Wilkes Barre area and attended GAR high school where he lettered in basketball and baseball as well as being named an All-Star on both teams. After graduation from high school, Rocco was drafted by the Boston Red Sox who awarded him a scholarship to attend The College of Holy Cross. He played baseball and basketball during the school months and played for the Red Sox farm league in the summer months. In 1942 in his senior year of college, Rocco was drafted into the US Navy during WWII, where he was a Chief Petty Officer and an athletic instructor in the Pacific Theatre. Rocco also played on the Navy baseball All Star team with Dom Dimaggio, Phil Rizzuto and other Notable players. After the war, Rocco finished his degree at Mansfield University and earned his Masters degree from NYU. Upon earning his Masters degree, Rocco taught and coached in Piermont, NY before being accepting the position of athletic director at Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He also coached basketball and baseball at Kings college. Rocco played professional basketball for the Wilkes-Barre Barons under the name of “Jackie Hogan”, and coached his basketball team to the NIT at Madison Square Garden, which was the first time that Kings College had the honor to play there. Rocco invented the “Rocco Rebounder” to help train the players. Rocco was instrumental in starting the UNICO East/West football game in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1951. This football game gives young athletes an opportunity to be recruited to colleges. This allstar game is still in existence today. Proceeds from the game are donated to the area hospitals. In 1988, Rocco was inducted into the Lucerne County Sports Hall of Fame for his Sports Achievements and contributions to sports (UNICO). Rocco married the love of his life Marie Papson from Stroudsburg, PA in 1951. They met in Piermont, NY while they were both teaching. Rocco called Marie “Ave”. They loved each other dearly and were always together. They had 6 children, sons Rocco Jr.(Megan) and John (Nicole), and daughters Karen, Susan (Clay Townsend), Cory, and Judy (David Underwood), 19 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He absolutely adored his children, grandchildren , greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rocco joined State Farm Insurance as a manager in 1951 in Pennsylvania. In 1967, Rocco moved his family to Winter Haven, FL to become an assistant agency director at the SF regional office. Rocco finished his State Farm career in Orlando, FL as an agency manager. He took pride in his agency which was known as “the district with a heart”. Rocco retired in 1995 from State Farm at the age of 76. After retirement, Rocco loved to spend time with his many grandchildren attending their school and sporting events, while having a good hot dog! Also, he enjoyed traveling with is beautiful wife, Marie. In addition to his family , Rocco’s faith was instrumental in his life. His nightly prayers (kneeling) and every Sunday mass were his strength. Even up to his last car rides, as he passed a church he always tipped his hat or made the sign of the cross. Dad, you will always be remembered when we hear the birds sing, when we see smiles of babies that you loved, when we look up to the clouds and remember the ways you used to play the “cloud game”. We will miss your strong hugs. No one will ever whistle like you –you always called us home with your whistle. We adored your infectious smile and how you taught us to “take pride” and to live by the “Golden Rule.” You never met a stranger and your generosity was overwhelming. There are a lot of Pebbles on the beach but there is only one ROC! We will miss you dearly. We will love you always “Pappy”—we are so proud to be your family. Rocco Frank English passed away peacefully on September 14, 2017 at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his beautiful wife and 6 children. Visitation: Monday, September 25, 2017 6-8pm 9001 N Orlando Ave Maitland, FL 32751 407-695-2273 Funeral Mass: Tuesday, September 26, 2017, 10am St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church 526 North Park Ave Winter Park, Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, FL

Rocco F. English

January 30, 1919 - September 14, 2017