Rocco Giovannangelo

Rocco Giovannangelo: as we walked the streets of his hometown of Sperlonga, Latina Italy, we kept hearing his name being called out as he looked around. It had been years since he had been in his hometown of Sperlonga, Latina Italy. For us, it was just another reminder of how it was to know Rocco was to honor him. Despite not being back for years, there were countless people that remembered him and would call out to him, remembering the good man he is. Rocco held many titles in his life, from Master Tailor to Entrepreneur, but his most favorite role was being a family man. He loved nothing more than his family – his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. His favorite thing was sitting around the dining table or any table for that matter, as long as it was with them, just talking, eating, planning, and laughing. He was always there for his family and he lived for their happiness. Rocco was born on March 31, 1940 to Leone and St. Anna Giovannangelo in Sperlonga, Latina Italy. He has seven siblings – 5 brothers and 2 sisters. He served in the Italian Navy. Upon his service completion with the military, he returned to Sperlonga and started his own business, a Custom Tailor Shop. In 1971, he came to the United States to further his dream of becoming a Master Tailor. After attaining that dream, he worked for Polo Ralph Lauren and then Oxxford Clothes, combining 50 years of service as a master tailor between the two companies. He was the TOP designer in the art of bespoke clothing for men. From the small town of Sperlonga to the White House, he suited the most famous people in the world. He suited dignitaries including President George W. Bush to actors Cary Grant and Michael Douglas and many countless people in between. However, his only goal was to ensure the person he suited felt good in their clothes. It didn’t matter their title or their profession, he continued to be humble. In 1977, he married the love of his life, Anna Sirignano Giovannangelo. On his wedding day, despite being a very reputable designer, he made a very big fashion faux pas. He wore white socks with his tuxedo. From that moment on, Anna made sure there were no more faux pas in her presence. She became his Queen, his everything. Legend has it that those white socks never made it over the wedding threshold on July 10, 1977. For the next 47 years, they were each other’s everything. They started their lives together in Medford, Massachusetts. That’s where they had their daughter, Nadia, in 1979, followed by their son, Massimo, in 1988. Both of their happiness and success can be traced back to Rocco’s strength and determination to create a full life for his family. In 2007, Rocco gained a son-in-law when Nadia married Alfred. He treated Alfred like his own son. He helped raised his two granddaughters, Alessia Anna and Bianca Lucia. He was very proud to be their “Nonno” and would carry them on his shoulders at night when Alfred wasn’t able to. He became a Nonno again when his son Massimo had a boy, Baby Rocco. Baby Rocco enjoyed being around his Nonno very much. They would go swimming together or Baby Rocco could be found playing in the cars while his Nonno would be fixing the garage. Baby Rocco will soon be joined by his brother, Massimo in the coming weeks. Rocco retired from Oxxford Clothes in 2015 at the age of 75. He moved into his dream home in Florida. He spent his days tending to his house, washing it, painting it, rearranging or watering the plants. Like the streets of Sperlonga, he was respected by his neighbors on Ridgewood Circle and beyond. On Tuesdays and Fridays, the neighbors would all race to bring in each other’s receptacles. In 2016, he continued to dream of more opportunities for his family and opened his first restaurant in Juno Beach, The County Line. It thrived from the start. In 2020, he opened his second restaurant, Eatalia, this time from scratch. Even though, it started during one of the most trying times for our country and the world, it was a success – to no one’s surprise because everything Rocco did, it flourished. He lived by his tried-and-true motto: Always be Faithful to Quality. In 2023, after many years of Nadia asking him to take her and the family to see the country that both him and his Queen Anna are from, he made her wishes come true. For one month, they were able to travel and explore all of Italy, his homeland. While in Italy, where food is love, they enjoyed many family meals cooked by the one and only La Signora Anna. They ended the vacation of a lifetime with a cruise to Greece and Malta. Rocco loves cruises and to be on a cruise with his family after visiting his homeland was truly epic. He was able to take another cruise in January 2024 to the Cayman Islands. Once again, he was able to enjoy traveling and dancing with his family and friends. Every time we began a dinner or an event he would look around and say “God Bless America” and if someone else said it first he would reply “All the time” He was so happy, no matter what his day had to offer. February and March 2024 were fun filled as well. Rocco was able to see his favorite teams: The Boston Celtics, The Boston Bruins, Inter Miami, and the Italian National Soccer team lead by his paisan Luciano Spalletti. He had the most fun, ALL the time! Rocco loved listening to music on his lanai with cocktails after dinner with his wife and friends. He loves to dance and sing. We have plenty of proof of that! Alas, there was one thing Rocco was not good at. Although he was not the best card player, we very much enjoyed playing with him and watching him take forever to make his next play. In mid-April, Rocco became ill, and it was fast and furious. As much as he is loved, we simply did not have enough time. We did our best, leaving no stones unturned, but unfortunately, we were in a battle that could not be won. Rocco passed away on June 17, 2024, surrounded by his family. Rocco’s life was a blessing to all of us. His memories will be treasured. We loved him beyond any number of words, and he will be missed beyond measure. Rocco is survived by his siblings Anna, Mario, and Paolo in Sperlonga and his baby brother, Salvatore in Massachusetts; his daughter Nadia and her husband, Alfred Baldasaro; his granddaughters Alessia and Bianca (Palm Beach County); his son Massimo Giovannangelo and his grandson Rocco (Palm Beach County). He also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from all over the World. Most importantly, he is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, his Queen, Anna. From Sperlonga, Latina Italy to Massachusetts and Florida, Rocco made his house a home because home was wherever he was. He left behind a legacy of faith and family that will be loved, honored, and cherished forever. A Memorial Service will be held for Rocco on July 10, 2024 at 10:00am at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Church in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. A celebration of life will follow at his home. The family is asking that you please consider making a donation in Rocco’s name to St. Jude (st.jude.org). “Quando si Balla si Balla” siamo “Sempre Insieme” Ti vogliamo bene per sempre A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church on Wednesday July 10th, at 10a. We will continue to honor him at his home after the mass.

Rocco Giovannangelo

March 31, 1940 - June 17, 2024