Obituary for Rocco Curatolo
It is with shattered hearts, we announce the passing of Rocco (Rocky) Curatolo 84, of Winnipeg. Rocco died peacefully at his home with his wife and children by his side after a brief cancer diagnosis. He battled with grace, dignity and acceptance because of his strong faith and support of his family and friends.
Rocco is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rosaria (Rose) Curatolo (nee Iannone) daughters Gina, Marisa (Michael Johnson and Silvana (Mark Hanson); the loves of his life-grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Nicholas, Haley, and Julia. He also leaves to mourn, his youngest brother Vince (Tenney), sister-in-law Cleofe; brother-in-law Carmine (Terri Iannone), along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents Gerardo and Genoveffa and his twin brother Onofrio.
Rocco was born May 13th, 1938 in Quaglietta Italy. He entered this world with his identical twin, Onofrio. His father was a prisoner of war for the first nine years of his life. His mother raised the two boys as a single mother until his father returned home. As a teenager in an agricultural area with a stream running through and a medieval castle positioned on a rock, there were many playful times fishing, exploring the abandoned castle and working on the family farm. He adored his grandparents and spent many days visiting them between Quaglietta and Colliano. At the young age of 18, he completed his barber apprenticeship in Quaglietta. At the age of 21 and Rosaria being 17, he knew he had found the love of his life. This was a difficult time for such a young couple as they would be separated for the next two years. In 1960, the Curatolo family embarked on a journey for a new life in Canada. Rocco studied English, took on many odd jobs and quickly received his barber license.
As promised, Rocco returned to Quaglietta in 1962 to marry Rosaria and soon after were blessed to have three daughters. For the next six decades, he would be surrounded by strong, successful and loving woman.
Rocco worked in many small barbershops throughout his career. He first spot on Pembina Hwy was near the University. In 1971, he purchased land and built his business at 290 Pembina Hwy, where Rocky’s Hairstyling became a Winnipeg landmark. He gradually purchased the rental homes adjacent to his building. In 2010, he decided to simplify his life so he sold his building and properties and relocated across the street for the next 12 years. Just before his diagnosis, upgrades were made to the barbershop and Rocky had a renewed pep in his step. He was so proud of the legacy of the being the barber on Pembina.
Rocky’s Hairstyling was not a typical barbershop rather it was a place for discussion, debate, laughter and even a few beverages, where friendships were formed and nurtured… a true gathering place. His customers became his friends, some being loyal clients for over 50 years and 4 generations.
Rocco was a man who had a strong faith and believed in serving his community. He and his family attended Holy Rosary Church, was involved with the Knights of Columbus, for almost 20 years. He was a founding member of the Dante Alighieri Association, Italian Credit Union, Leonardo DaVinci Association and volunteering at Church. He was also a member of the Grand Beach Cottage Association. Rocco was always the first to lend a helping hand.
Rocco was a man who fully enjoyed many life experiences. They ranged from travelling the world, providing cottage life for his family at Grand Beach, typical Italian activities such as picnics, wine making, gardening, playing cards and bocce, gathering with family and friends to celebrate life. He had a passion for photography from a very young age. He was always seen photographing family events and activities in the community. When the Jets 2.0 returned, Rocco became an avid fan and attended games regularly. His greatest passion was spending every possible moment with his five grandchildren and being their biggest cheerleader in all of their endeavours. His Italian Heritage was always within his heart; therefore he loved spending time at the Caboto Centre.
Rocco was definitely a character. He managed to fit in in one more haircut before his untimely diagnosis. Rocco’s greatest contribution to life on earth was sharing his generous spirit, zest for life, and loving his family and friends with all his heart.
Our family would like to give special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at St. Boniface Emergency, medical staff on ward 6A. A special thank you to the palliative team who made Rocco and his family comfortable during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Rocco’s memory to Cancer Care.
Rimani sempre nei nostri cuori. Repose in pace.
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”
Clarence – It’s a Wonderful Life
Rocco is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Rosaria (Rose) Curatolo (nee Iannone) daughters Gina, Marisa (Michael Johnson and Silvana (Mark Hanson); the loves of his life-grandchildren Ryan, Evan, Nicholas, Haley, and Julia. He also leaves to mourn, his youngest brother Vince (Tenney), sister-in-law Cleofe; brother-in-law Carmine (Terri Iannone), along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends. He was predeceased by his parents Gerardo and Genoveffa and his twin brother Onofrio.
Rocco was born May 13th, 1938 in Quaglietta Italy. He entered this world with his identical twin, Onofrio. His father was a prisoner of war for the first nine years of his life. His mother raised the two boys as a single mother until his father returned home. As a teenager in an agricultural area with a stream running through and a medieval castle positioned on a rock, there were many playful times fishing, exploring the abandoned castle and working on the family farm. He adored his grandparents and spent many days visiting them between Quaglietta and Colliano. At the young age of 18, he completed his barber apprenticeship in Quaglietta. At the age of 21 and Rosaria being 17, he knew he had found the love of his life. This was a difficult time for such a young couple as they would be separated for the next two years. In 1960, the Curatolo family embarked on a journey for a new life in Canada. Rocco studied English, took on many odd jobs and quickly received his barber license.
As promised, Rocco returned to Quaglietta in 1962 to marry Rosaria and soon after were blessed to have three daughters. For the next six decades, he would be surrounded by strong, successful and loving woman.
Rocco worked in many small barbershops throughout his career. He first spot on Pembina Hwy was near the University. In 1971, he purchased land and built his business at 290 Pembina Hwy, where Rocky’s Hairstyling became a Winnipeg landmark. He gradually purchased the rental homes adjacent to his building. In 2010, he decided to simplify his life so he sold his building and properties and relocated across the street for the next 12 years. Just before his diagnosis, upgrades were made to the barbershop and Rocky had a renewed pep in his step. He was so proud of the legacy of the being the barber on Pembina.
Rocky’s Hairstyling was not a typical barbershop rather it was a place for discussion, debate, laughter and even a few beverages, where friendships were formed and nurtured… a true gathering place. His customers became his friends, some being loyal clients for over 50 years and 4 generations.
Rocco was a man who had a strong faith and believed in serving his community. He and his family attended Holy Rosary Church, was involved with the Knights of Columbus, for almost 20 years. He was a founding member of the Dante Alighieri Association, Italian Credit Union, Leonardo DaVinci Association and volunteering at Church. He was also a member of the Grand Beach Cottage Association. Rocco was always the first to lend a helping hand.
Rocco was a man who fully enjoyed many life experiences. They ranged from travelling the world, providing cottage life for his family at Grand Beach, typical Italian activities such as picnics, wine making, gardening, playing cards and bocce, gathering with family and friends to celebrate life. He had a passion for photography from a very young age. He was always seen photographing family events and activities in the community. When the Jets 2.0 returned, Rocco became an avid fan and attended games regularly. His greatest passion was spending every possible moment with his five grandchildren and being their biggest cheerleader in all of their endeavours. His Italian Heritage was always within his heart; therefore he loved spending time at the Caboto Centre.
Rocco was definitely a character. He managed to fit in in one more haircut before his untimely diagnosis. Rocco’s greatest contribution to life on earth was sharing his generous spirit, zest for life, and loving his family and friends with all his heart.
Our family would like to give special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at St. Boniface Emergency, medical staff on ward 6A. A special thank you to the palliative team who made Rocco and his family comfortable during his final days.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Rocco’s memory to Cancer Care.
Rimani sempre nei nostri cuori. Repose in pace.
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”
Clarence – It’s a Wonderful Life