Obituary of Luigi Rocca

Luigi Rocca passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on March 1 after a brief illness. Born on March 11, 1940 in Sambiase, Italy, he was the son of the late Vincenzo Rocca and Rosa Cimino. As a young adult he travelled Europe in search of adventure spending time in France, Germany and Switzerland where he would meet his future wife. In November of 1966, they decided to move to Canada because they believed this country could provide their children with the greatest opportunities. Luigi's first job was in the kitchen of the Admiral Beatty Hotel and he would eventually move to the Holiday Inn where he was the head chef for many years. His culinary skills would soon become legendary and his lunch buffet became a must for the lunch time crowd. Always the entertainer, he especially loved speaking with his dining patron. Later in his career, he very much enjoyed working in the kitchen in the Saint John Regional Hospital. In his leisure time, he loved to tend his vegetable garden and make his wine. One of the highlights of his retirement was his trip to Florida last year where he golfed, planted tomatoes and enjoyed the sunshine. This special time was made possible by Sandra. He also enjoyed the dances at the Branch 69 Legion and socializing with friends at AJ's Pub. Above all, the thing he loved most was spending time with his grandchildren. They will miss his hugs, jokes and the hats he had for every occasion. Luigi is survived by his son Luigi (Charlotte), daughter Rosie (Paul), grandchildren Noah, Hannah, Olivia, Joseph, Elizabeth and Isabella, his former wife Maria Rocca, brother Nicola (Jane) Rocca, sister Concheta Scordamaglia and his special friend Sandra. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Filippo. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held from St. Rose of Lima Church, 541 Milford Road, Saint John West on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at 12:00 noon. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Luigi's name to the Saint John Regional Health Foundation, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at