Rocco Campanale passed away in his home on Wednesday, November 17th, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old. Rocco was born on August 16th, 1932, in Mariotto (Bari) Italy to the late Rocco and Annunziata Campanale. After migrating to the United States, Rocco met the love of his life, Vittoria deNicolo, in the Bronx and from their love were blessed with two wonderful children: Margherita and Aurelio.

Rocco worked as a M.P Carabinieri in Italy and after coming to the United States he trained as a butcher and then became a Supervisor/Meat buyer for CTown supermarkets.

Rocco was happiest when surrounded by family and cooking a feast for all to enjoy. He’d spend hours in the grocery store to find the perfect cut of meat. He was always in the kitchen replicating the meals he saw on the various cooking shows. He’d spend all day in the garden tending to his fig trees, cucumbers, and tomato plants. Always the comedian, he would joke around at parties to make people laugh. He loved being surrounded by his kids and grandkids. Rocco was an avid sports fan who watched Series A soccer, boxing, and Formula 1 racing.

Rocco is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vittoria Campanale, his children; Margherita (Michael) Tama and Aurelio (Elisa) Campanale; He is the beloved grandfather of Lianna Tama, Domenic Tama, Vittoria Campanale, and Alessandra Campanale. Rocco is also survived by his siblings; Francesca Parisi, Angela Cataldi, Gaetano Prisciandaro, Domenica Prisciandaro, and Cosimo Prisciandaro. Rocco will be missed by all who knew him. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Guiseppe Prisciandaro.

A celebration of Rocco’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Ave., Pelham NY on Sunday, November 21st from 1-5 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help located at 559 Pelham Manor Rd., Pelham, NY on Monday, November 22nd at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.