Obituaries

Rocco Joseph Ceniti

December 30, 1936 - October 17, 2024

Text:

Obituary For Rocco Joseph Ceniti

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

Live Stream

Services

27 Oct

Visitation

04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Verona 220 S. Enterprise Drive Verona, WI 53593 Get Directions »
28 Oct

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

St. James Lutheran Church 427 S. Main Street Verona, Wi 53593 Get Directions »
28 Oct

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

St. James Lutheran Church 427 S. Main Street Verona, Wi 53593 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Live Stream

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Condolences

  • October 28, 2024

    Deepest sympathies to Dave and Chris and Jason. I heard today that Rocco was a real gem. I know you will miss him. Blessings to the family. May God comfort you with the knowledge that Rocco is in heaven and you will see him again.

  • October 28, 2024

  • October 27, 2024

    Rocco Ceniti was a man of deep faith and love for his family and community! Over the many years I have known him, he never said a bad word about anyone! His work on the city council was exemplary, especially when it came to our parks. Verona lost a true statesman! Rest in peace! Gordy and JoAnn Disch

  • October 26, 2024

    Our deepest condolences to Rocco's family. We will miss our kind-hearted neighbor and all the chats. Rocco was a treasure and truly the best neighbor. May he rest in peace. -with sympathy, Brandon and Kim Grillon

  • October 26, 2024

    I'm grateful to have known Rocco and had the benefit of his wise counsel for many years. I talked to him at his door just a couple months ago. Wish I had known it would be the last time--I would have expressed my thanks for all he did, and for having confidence in me. His passion for public service and ability to get things done has been an inspiration to me. If Verona had a Mount Rushmore, I'd make a good case for him to be on it. Our community has lost a giant. My sympathies to his loved ones--his time away from you serving our community was a great benefit to the rest of us. I surely mourn this one. - State Rep. Mike Bare, Verona

  • October 25, 2024

    Rocco-I will miss our talks. You were so friendly sharing your stories of Mineral Point. Mike Hook Mike Hooks Landscaping, LLC

  • October 24, 2024

    Rocco was a great guy. We will miss you. Stan Davis

  • October 23, 2024

    My deepest sympathy for Dave and Chris. Rocco was a neighbor for many years, a wonderful friend, husband and father. I have so many delightful memories of Rocco, a much loved and cherished man. Bob Pricer

  • October 23, 2024

    Our deepest sympathy to Rocco's family. I knew him many years and enjoyed his humor and working with him at the city of Verona and being on the council with him. He will be missed greatly as a wonderful community giver. God bless u all. Pat/Ken Anderson

  • October 23, 2024

    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.

  • October 23, 2024

    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.

Tributes

  • Sweet Moments

    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

  • 5 TREES

    Lori Wolf planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 27, 2024

  • 5 TREES

    Roxane Spitzer planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 26, 2024

  • 5 TREES

    Dennis Ammons planted 5 trees in memory of Rocco Joseph Ceniti . - October 24, 2024

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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