Rocco Ceniti

December 30, 1936 - October 17, 2024

Obituary

A Livestream of the service for Rocco Ceniti will be available at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 28, 2024. To view the livestream, please click the following link: Rocco Ceniti Funeral Service.

Rocco Joseph Ceniti, age 87, of Verona, WI, died unexpectedly following a trip to Italy on 17 October, 2024 with his family at his side. He was born on 30 December 1936 in Mineral Point, WI, son of Rocco and Lena (Galle) Ceniti. He attended Mineral Point High School where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball and track. Following his graduation in 1955, he was drafted into the Army, serving two years at posts in Arizona and California. While attending college at UW-Platteville, he met Florence Helmeid and they were married on August 12th, 1961 at Blanchardville Lutheran Church in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. They moved to Madison, then to Verona where over the years they raised a family and built three houses. Rocco also began his career as a skilled craftsman and tool and die maker in 1962 and worked in the trade for 40 years, retiring in 2002. Rocco also served his community in Verona city government from 1985 to 2006 serving as an alderman, on the city council, and on the parks and recreation committee. Most notable were his efforts to improve city parks which earned him many accolades for his service and was recognized with a park being named after him.

Rocco was well known in the community and he had many friends, colleagues and acquaintances. He enjoyed serving his community, visiting with his friends, gardening, watching the Packers, and most of all, following his grandson Jason play high school and college football. Rocco will be most remembered for being a good friend, a good neighbor, a brother, husband, father and grandfather.

Rocco is survived by his two sons, David and Chris (Carol) Ceniti, his grandson Jason, his brother Frank, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and his very special friend Roxanne.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, grandparents, brother Joe and sister Cathrine and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rocco was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

All are welcome to attend the visitation on Sunday, 27 Oct 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, WI. A funeral service will be held on Monday, 28 Oct at 11:00 am at St James Lutheran Church, 427 Main Street, Verona, WI with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be conducted at the Verona cemetery followed by a reception at the St James Church.

Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church or the American Cancer Society.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625

Events

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DA
Dennis Ammons
Other • 6 months ago
Dennis Ammons planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 24, 2024
RS
Roxane Spitzer
Other • 6 months ago
Roxane Spitzer planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 26, 2024
LW
Lori Wolf
Other • 6 months ago
Lori Wolf planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 27, 2024
LW
Lori Wolf
Other • 6 months ago
Lori Wolf sent Sweet Moments for Rocco Joseph Ceniti - October 27, 2024 May you and your family find peace, our condolences, Love, Lori & Kamarion Wol
KS
Ken Simmons
Other • 6 months ago
Oh my. Rocco was simply the best. It was such a pleasure to work with Rocco when we established Community Park. His ability to read and understand people with varying opinions yet make decisions in the best interests of Verona should be commended. We miss people like Rocco Ceniti.
BF
Badger Honor Flight
Other • 6 months ago
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Rocco Ceniti. We are forever grateful for Rocco's service to our great country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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