Rocco Cambareri

It is with great sorrow that the family of Rocco Cambareri announces his passing on October 20, 2026. He is survived by his five children: Grace ‘Rav’ (Ken), Barbara (Jim), Allan, Joseph, and John ‘Jack’ (Elizabeth). He is also survived by four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. His sister-in-law, Bonnie, also survives him, as do two nieces, a nephew, and their children and grandchildren. His wife of almost 75 years, Eloise, recently predeceased him. He was predeceased several years ago by his younger brother, Carmelo.

The son of Italian immigrants, Rocco grew up in Mt. Kisco, NY, where he met his late wife while in the fourth grade. He was a stand-out athlete who played on his high school’s football, basketball, and baseball teams. In addition to his athletic prowess, he put his leadership skills to work as captain of the football team, as co-captain of the basketball team, and as class president. He excelled academically, and went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering.

Rocco’s engineering skills were engaged at Food Machinery and Chemical Corporation, General Precision Laboratories, and Allied Signal. His employers delegated him to interface with customers far and wide in North America, as well as in France, Germany, and Singapore. After clocking out, he enjoyed participating on employer-sponsored bowling, golf, tennis, and softball teams. In his retirement years, he and his late wife enjoyed biking, walking along the beach, and participating in an exercise class.

Rocco was adept at home repairs, and rarely had to hire plumbers, electricians, landscapers, or auto mechanics. He was also a skilled woodworker who knew how to build furniture. If a relative, friend, or neighbor needed help with home maintenance, he was always willing to lend a helping hand.

His example encouraged his children not to be afraid to “get their hands dirty.” He believed in learning by doing. He made sure his children learned how to fix things, lend a hand, and be useful when something needed to be done. His daughters knew which end of a wrench to hand him, and all learned that there was value in figuring things out for themselves and helping others along the way. He passed along practical skills and a hands-on approach to life that they will carry with them.

During his 96 years, he was the epitome of working hard to get ahead, a value he instilled in his children, all of whom went on to earn college degrees and become successful professionals. A dedicated family man and husband, he found time to have fun with his children. They cherish memories of flying kites in the park, playing in the backyard pool, learning to ride bikes, tossing around a football, and batting practice. He had a good sense of humor, which his children seem to have inherited. He took great delight in being surrounded by family.

Rocco was a devout Catholic and long-time parishioner at St. Gregory Catholic Church, where he served for many years as an usher. He took pride in being a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Gregory Catholic Church, 200 North University Drive, Plantation, FL 33317