Wethersfield Obituary: Rocco Paolino, Sr., 93

Rocco Daniel Paolino, Sr. 93, of The Bayshore, Hilton Head Island, SC died Thursday August 10th at home.

Born on December 2, 1923 in Hartford, he was the third son of Antolino and Anna (Fiorino) Paolino. His two brothers, John and Dooley predeceased him.

He graduated Hartford Public High School in 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1945, having served as an aviation radio man-First Class SV-6-Navy.

Rocco married his high school sweetheart Concetta Rose Matarese in 1944. They resided in Hartford, then bought their homes and raised their two children Rocco Jr. and AnnMarie in Rocky Hill at first, then later in Newington. Rocco and Connie retired in their Wethersfield home and enjoyed over 18 years of winters in Pompano Beach, Florida.

A self-made, successful and determined man, Rocco excelled in the early T.V. technology field (RCA, Westinghouse). And then in his midlife, he made a major career change as an investment professional with I.D.S, and he achieved V.P. positions with Merrill Lynch, E.F. Hutton and Dean Witter. He took great pride in his work and his clients had great trust in him.

God saw him getting very tired with chronic pain and physical decline, and family prayers were heard.

Rocco leaves behind his wife, Concetta, his son, Rocco Jr. and wife Marge of Wethersfield, his daughter, AnnMarie Martel and her husband David of Hilton Head Island, SC, his two grandsons, Rocco Paolino III and Christopher Paolino and wife Shannon, and Rocco’s two great granddaughters, Julia and Samantha. He also leaves behind his wonderful, loving and caring nieces and nephews; all loved dearly and very much appreciated especially in his later years, as his health declined.

In lieu of flowers, Rocco requested that you kindly donate to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104, or St. Jude’s Children’s, Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 for the benefit of childrens’ medical care. He did so for many years.

The funeral is Wednesday August 16th at 10 a.m. from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St. Wethersfield. Entombment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.