Rocco Martinelli, Sr

Rocco J. Martinelli, Sr.  87 of Worcester, passed away peacefully at home, June 15, 2021, surrounded by the family he loved.

Rocco was born and raised in Shrewsbury, one of five children of Italian immigrants Joseph and Grazia (Calamita) Martinelli.  He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1951, where he was a standout Football player.  He then joined  the U.S. Navy Seabees serving his country proudly during the Korean War.  Upon return from the Seabees, Rocco married  on June 16, 1956, the “Love of his Life”  Bella M. Giuliano.  They settled in Worcester, raising their five children with love, faith, devotion, and family, until Bella left his side on Jan 26, 2009.  They are reunited for eternity together in heaven now.  Rocco continued to live in the family home until his passing.  

Rocco, was appointed to the Worcester Fire Department in 1961, serving the next 32 years on Ladder 3, at headquarters on Grove Street,  Aerial Scope 1, at Central Division downtown, and Engine 7 on Grafton Street before retiring in 1993.    When not on duty with the fire department, Rocco worked as an Autobody repair specialist for the Sbrogna Autobody  Shop. 

He is survived by the five children he loved and was so proud of, Nicholas “Nick” Martinelli and his wife BettyJane of Shrewsbury, Rocco Martinelli, Jr and his wife Jean, Janina Mozer and her husband Richard all of Oxford, Lisa Martinelli-Caforio with whom he lived, Joseph Martinelli and his wife Shanon of Gautier, Mississippi; 11 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Shepard of Shrewsbury and Grace Collins on Martha’s Vineyard; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.  In addition to his parents and wife, two brothers, Nunzio and Francesco Martinelli predeceased him.

Rocco was a man of great pride and devotion.  He dedicated his life to his family, the citizens of Worcester, his fellow firefighters, and the Navy Seabees.  He was a member of the IAFF Local 1009, the Worcester fire credit union, the Fire relief and retiree’s association. 

The Martinelli family would like to thank the Jewish Home Hospice Care team, for the Care, Compassion, love, and kindness they showed to the family. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours Friday, June 18^th from 10 am to 11:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St followed by his funeral service at 11:30 am.  Burial with Navy Honors will be in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Leary Firefighters Foundation, 14 Murray St. Box 243, New York, NY 1007 or the Worcester Fire Relief Association, care of the Worcester Credit Union,  34 Glennie Street Worcester 01605