Rocco Graziano
November 2nd, 1937 - April 28th, 2024
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Rocco's Obituary
Rocco Anthony Graziano, age 86, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was born on November 2, 1937, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. His loving parents were Mary (Antonelli) and Angelo Cozzolino.
He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1956, where he met the love of his life, Arlene Negrilla. Throughout his life, he remained very close with his “Old North Shore Crew” high school friends Ralph, Buzz, Bill and Corky. He joined the Army in 1961 and was stationed in the Washington D.C. area, where he was trained as technical illustrator/draftsman working with the Pentagon on many projects. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
After returning to the area, he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene in 1965 settling in Stevensville. It was there that he raised his family and established a successful career as a commercial artist, primarily with Creative Advertising in St. Joseph. Rocco was a talented artist instrumental in the creation of many of the original drawings used in customer manuals and product documentation for Whirlpool Corporation.
He and Arlene were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church and have remained very active in the community for many years.
He was a dedicated husband, supportive father and proud grandfather. Rocco is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arlene Graziano; daughters, Marcia Miller, Rachelle (Andrew) Woolley; grandchildren, Rocco Wyble, Christi Wyble; his brother Rick (Linda) Cozzolino. He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary and Angelo Cozzolino.
A funeral service for Rocco will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Following services Rocco will be entombed at North Shores Memory Gardens in Coloma, Michigan. For a more lasting memory, donations in Rocco’s name can be made out to the Stevensville American Legion. Share a memory with the family on their online tribute wall at www.starks-menchinger.com.
He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1956, where he met the love of his life, Arlene Negrilla. Throughout his life, he remained very close with his “Old North Shore Crew” high school friends Ralph, Buzz, Bill and Corky. He joined the Army in 1961 and was stationed in the Washington D.C. area, where he was trained as technical illustrator/draftsman working with the Pentagon on many projects. He was honorably discharged in 1963.
After returning to the area, he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene in 1965 settling in Stevensville. It was there that he raised his family and established a successful career as a commercial artist, primarily with Creative Advertising in St. Joseph. Rocco was a talented artist instrumental in the creation of many of the original drawings used in customer manuals and product documentation for Whirlpool Corporation.
He and Arlene were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church and have remained very active in the community for many years.
He was a dedicated husband, supportive father and proud grandfather. Rocco is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Arlene Graziano; daughters, Marcia Miller, Rachelle (Andrew) Woolley; grandchildren, Rocco Wyble, Christi Wyble; his brother Rick (Linda) Cozzolino. He was preceded in death by his parents; Mary and Angelo Cozzolino.
A funeral service for Rocco will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. Following services Rocco will be entombed at North Shores Memory Gardens in Coloma, Michigan. For a more lasting memory, donations in Rocco’s name can be made out to the Stevensville American Legion. Share a memory with the family on their online tribute wall at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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