"I am sorry for the loss of this great man. He always had a big smile and cared so much for others. He was always there for his family and friends. I will miss his hugs. I will say extra prayers for you Tina and your girls. "
In loving memory of
Anthony Edward Rocca
May 15, 1929 - May 23, 2023
ANTHONY EDWARD ROCCA
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Anthony E. Rocca died peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Rosary will be at 9:00 a.m. with visitation following until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the St. Mathias Catholic Church. Burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the family, for their choice of charity. There will be a time for food and fellowship following the Funeral Mass in Gannon Hall.
He was born May 15, 1929, in Iowa City to Peter and Mary (Pusateri) Rocca. He graduated from St. Mary's High Iowa City in 1947. He received his B.S and M.S in Pharmacy from the University of Iowa and retired in 1992 after 30 years as the Pharmacy Director at Muscatine General Hospital.
He and Linda Jane Cook were married June 4, 1955, at St. Mary's Church in Iowa City. Linda died July 14, 2008.
During the Korean War, he served as an infantry platoon corpsman in the First Marine Division. After Inchon, Seoul, and North Korean campaigns, he received three battle stars and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V": later the Combat Action ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Marine Corps Assn, and the Chosin Few.
Survivors include his daughters and son-in-law, Mary and Sam Curry, Donna Halligan, granddaughters, Allison Dunmore (Danny) and Elizabeth and Katherine Halligan. Also, sister Loretta (James) Clark and brothers Michael (Beryl) and James, sisters-in-law Ellen and Trudy, many nieces and nephews; and special 'niece', Linn Bartunek Tanabe.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; parents, Peter and Mary; sisters, Josephine and Mary; and brothers, Joseph, Philip, John; and sisters-in-law, Shirley, Mary Jo, and lifelong friends Vince and Donna Bartunek.
Tributes
"I am so sorry for your loss. We didn?t get together often but when we did it was so nice to visit with Ed, he always showed concern and interest in me and my family. May he rest in peace. Cousin Barbara Rocca Louvar "
"Ed was a wonderful man, he hired my mom when she needed a job most and was a caring, understanding boss. He mentored me into Pharmacy school as well. What a gift to everyone at Muscatine General and the community. My condolences to the family. Godspeed Mr. Rocca. "
"I remember everyone trusting and respecting Ed at work. He was intelligent and very kind. It was our pleasure knowing and working with him. Prayers for God's peace at this difficult time, Love Scott and Cathy Curry "
"My thoughts and prayers are with your family. The world is a better place because of you and now is a little emptier. Semper Fi "
"With our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Thinking of you and remembering all the good times Bernard and Ed had together. Ed was a special guy and meant a lot to our family. He was a special friend. We will miss him. Sandra Roth and family"
"I have fond memories of my cousin Ed and his lovely wife Linda. Growing up he was the older cousin who always teased me and continued to do so as I grew up. What a great man and a wonderful relative. Praying for him and all of his family.. Cousin Michael Anthony Rocca. "
"I have fond memories of my cousin Ed and his lovely wife Linda. Growing up he was the older cousin who always teased me and continued to do so as I grew up. What a great man and a wonderful relative. Praying for him and all of his family.. Cousin Michael Anthony Rocca. "
"I have yet to meet a finer human being that I found in Ed. My 20 years in Muscatine allowed me to meet, befriend and come to know many people and of all those none were nicer, kinder or more sincere than Ed. It was an honor and privilege to count him as a friend and he will be sorely missed. His family followed his example, and all were lovely, kind people. Thanks for everything, and as Bob Hope would say. "Thanks for the memories" Ed."
"Ed was such a kind man, he had such a deep intentional way of connecting with people, and being present! He left a legacy of devotion and caring! Our prayers for your great loss!! Love, Terri"
"Our sincere condolences to Jim and the entire Rocca family. Ed lived a wonderful life and had a positive impact on so many. Rest in peace, Ed. Marty Lantz Family"
"Mr. Rocca...what a wonderful man. Tina and everyone we are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad is a great man and we feel so blessed to know him and each of you. Praying for comfort and peace during this time and always. Love all of you.."
"Your family are in my prayers & thoughts at this time. I am so sorry for your loss Ed was a great boss, mentor & dear friend. He will be truly missed. "
"I am so very sorry to read of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. "