"Also. Every memory I have is of Pooh and Poppy together. That?s one thing I?ll miss most. "
In loving memory of
Joseph "Jay" Rocchino
December 20, 1927 - March 4, 2021
Joseph Rocchino, "Jay", died peacefully on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at his home in Plymouth Meeting, PA. He was 93 years old.
Born in Ambler, he was the son of the late Antonio and Caroline (Zangrone) Rocchino. Jay was an Ambler police officer prior to enlisting in the US Army. He owned and operated Jay's Beverage in Ambler for over 50 years until his retirement in 1999.
Jay was a member of the Montgomery County F.O.P. and an honorary member of the Harmonville Fire Company. He and his wife Joan loved spending time at their home in the countryside of Lancaster County, where Jay spent many hours birdwatching.
Jay is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan (nee Paul). He is the loving father of Debbie (Rocchino) Garnett of Conshohocken, and Susan (Rocchino) Ritchey of Ambler. He is the dear grandfather of Janice Marie Heron, Tim Ritchey, Jr., Jayson Ritchey, Bruce Garnett, Jr., and great-grandfather of Ashleigh, Aela, and Ryan.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the Anton B. Urban Funeral Home, 1111 S. Bethlehem Pike, Ambler, PA, 19002.
Memorial Donations in his memory to The Gift of Life Family House, which provides lodging and support services for family members of patients awaiting organ transplants in Philadelphia area hospitals, are appreciated by Jay's family.
GIFT OF LIFE FAMILY HOUSE
401 Callowhill St
Philadelphia, PA 19123
https://www.giftoflifefamilyhouse.org/
Tributes and photos may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com
Tributes
"What about going to Lancaster and shady maple for breakfast, the car ride seemed forever but it was so beautiful up there (except when there were thunderstorms lol). I also remember the building and getting to play on the mountains of cases and the old barber chair in the back. It was such a treat that Pooh and Poppy worked just a block down the road. And I also remember graduating to the ?men?s room? with Poppy for dinners. Holidays, birthdays, and family get togethers will never be the same. "
"I probably first met Jay on the day of Janice and Sean's wedding. Weddings and receptions can be a bit of a blur so, we probably spoke but I do not remember. But, as we gathered at Janice and Sean's home for holiday's and birthday meal's, I got to know him, To the point, we would seek each other out and chat for quite awhile- only to be interupted by a good meal/snack or the kids running by and jumping in for attention. I loved to talk to Poppy and loved more to listen. He was such a wonderful, learned, practical man. We are all fortunate and blessed to have known him. And if his great grandchildren are much like him and Joan , I will be a fortunate man also. See ya' later, Jay. Pat Heron "
"I love you uncle joe. I loved visiting you at Jays Beverage every day. You were always there to talk with me and give me great advice. I am so happy we were so closse through my life because you really meant the world to me. You were such a good example of how we all should live. I would always see you sweeping the floor with your big broom. so when I found out you went to our family heaven, I grabbed my broom and swept my entire driveway, dropping the sand on the wet spots and smashing it with my foot to make sure there were no stains. I know Dolly is happy to have you with her and the rest of the Rocchino clan. I love you for all eternity. Thank you for teaching me how to be the bestI can be. You will always be close to my heart."
"Over the past few days I have been trying to remember every memory I had with Poppy. Obviously, that is impossible. The memories that stick out the most are riding on the conveyor belt at the building when I was young, going over to visit him and finding him on the back patio watching the birds or looking at one of his many bird books, jingling the coins in his pocket, making silly jokes about Pooh, calling me Janice Marie whenever he spoke to me, and more recently giving Ashleigh, Aela and Ryan high fives every time we left his house. Now, whenever I see a cardinal or blue jay I will think of Poppy. He was a wonderful grandfather, perhaps the best. "