Rocco Antonio Racioppo dies at 79, leaving a legacy of family, education and service
TORONTO – Rocco Antonio Racioppo left us late in the evening of September 4, 2026, peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of family, education, and service to others.
Born February 4, 1947 in Monteleone, Puglia, Italy, to Giovanni and Rosaria Racioppo, Rocco was surrounded from his earliest days by a tight-knit family of loving Nonni, Zias, Zios, and cousins. He was a curious and spirited boy who loved to explore his world, which sometimes led to mischief and trouble (but lots of great stories!). In 1954, Rocco and his mother moved to Canada to join his father, and their family grew with the addition of his beloved siblings, brother Leonardo (Vivian and John) and his sister, Maria (Domenic). Rocco loved spending time with his whole family.
At a street festival on Canada Day 1967, he asked a beautiful blonde for a dance. In 1973, he married her. Sandy was the love of his life and his greatest supporter. Through marriage he gained siblings Ed (Barb), Diane (John) and Ron (Shelley), and many nieces and nephews. In 53 years of marriage, Rocco and Sandy built a close family of three children: gina (Andy), Christa (Tim), and Antonio (Monika). The love and joy in their lives grew as they welcomed five beloved grandchildren; Abigail, Kaleb, Reznor, Nico, and Atticus.
Rocco maintained his boyhood curiosity throughout his life, and he loved new challenges . He was athletic, and played soccer, hockey, and golf. He was a skilled woodworker, landscaper, and gardener. He learned shoe repair and construction and could fix anything you left on his workbench in the basement. He often told his children about his struggles at school and the hard work it took to overcome them. After studying at the University of Waterloo, he decided to pursue a career in education. He worked as a special education and mathematics teacher, and later as a vice principal and principal. Rocco fostered an atmosphere of discipline and high expectations in his school but his students knew his love for them. He was constantly present at school events, played lunchtime card games, engaged in conversations in the school cafeteria, and showed compassion and care for students who were struggling.
Rocco’s belief in the importance of service to others was shaped by his experiences of belonging to a close-knit family and working in school communities. He was the first person to volunteer to help out family members with big projects like landscaping and renovations, and he was always happy to share his wisdom and give advice. He was an active community member at his churches in Mississauga and Brooklin, serving as a Knight of Columbus, and most recently, as a member of his parish’s St.Vincent De Paul Society. He never shied away from an opportunity to be helpful to others, sharing the strength and love that his family knows so well with his community.
For all of these reasons, and for the millions of other reasons we hold in our hearts, Rocco will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation (https://www.pphfoundation.ca/) or the St. Leo branch of St. Vincent de Paul (Svdpbrooklin@outlook.com) are appreciated.
Visitation
Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
Cardinal Carter & Cardinal Ambrozic Rooms
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
Funeral Mass
Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 3Z6
