Rocco Gioia

ROCCO GIOIA, aged 79 years, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 2, 2009, beloved son of the late Gaetano and Michelina (nee Troccola), cherished brother of Donna Scalzo, Rose Shail and the late Lucy Mannion and Louis, devoted uncle and great-uncle. Rocco was born on Sept. 22, 1929 in Danbury, CT., and was a graduate of Danbury High School Class of 47 and of the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, primarily serving in France and Germany with the Army Orchestra. He taught for over 27 years in Cleveland Public Schools, and following his retirement, established his own flower shop in Cleveland s Little Italy neighborhood which he sold in 1986. He was an active member and supporter of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, where he served as chief floral designer.