ROCCA, Palmerino

ROCCA, Palmerino. A passionate man in everything he did, Palmerino was born April 1st, 1942 in Aquafredda, Italy to parents Antonio and Conchetta Rocca both predeceased. Parmo was a very creative and innovative man who believed in following his dreams to the fullest. He took a chance at the tender age of 23 with his wife Ambrosina by his side and immigrated to Canada in 1966. Once here he wanted to bring the flavours of his home country to Canada and opened up a small pizzeria in 1969. From there, Palmerino and Ambrosina founded Dino’s Milk Mart which they owned and operated for 36 years. He loved his customers so much, he even had a tradition of opening the store on Christmas Day just to make sure all the local families had what they needed. In 1976, Palmerino went on and founded Canada Paving Ltd., where through the years he taught his children a thing or two about business. Ever the risk taker, he also ventured into the retirement home business and created Palambro Palace Retirement Home in Sudbury. A few years back, he decided to take on a new challenge and purchase and renovate the former International Hotel on Kathleen Street, and has made it into a true gem. Palmerino leaves behind his best friend and beautiful wife of 50 years, Ambrosina Rocca. His children were the light in his life. He leaves behind to carry on his legacy his four children, Antonio, Saverio, Cindy and David and their spouses Cathy Carpino, Lesley Morin, Jeff Peacock and Andrea Delibasic. Palmerino was ecstatic to be a grandfather to three grandsons, Giulian, Paolo and Luca. He was also the special “Nonno in the Blue House” to his granddaughter Chiara. He also leaves behind his mother in law Annina Rocca at home, his sisters Giovanna and Francesca in Italy and many nieces, nephews and special friends in Sudbury, Italy and Australia. Predeceased are his brothers Giuseppe and Fillipo of Italy, his brother Francesco of Australia and his sister Pasqualina of Sudbury. Many thanks go to Dr. J.J. McAlister and the many specialists that have helped Palmerino over the years. Special thanks are also extended to the Air Ornge team and land ambulance crews who transported Paul to Toronto. Our most sincere thanks go out to the entire team working in the CICU Toronto General Hospital. Their compassion, gentleness and fearless approach to healthcare gave Palmerino and his family comfort and peace in his final days. Special thanks to Dr. Osten, Dr. Daly and Dr. Dzavik. Some parting words from TGH Nurse Veronica best describes my father that our family will cherish forever, “Your father kept his sense of humour right to the end.” Funeral Visitation at the Lougheed Funeral Home 252 Regent St. at Hazel St. (Friends may call 2-9pm Sunday with prayers at 3pm). Funeral Mass in St. Anthony’s Church 19 Mary St. Monday, August 26th, 2013 at 10am. Entombment in the Civic Memorial Mausoleum. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated.