Rocco R. Demaiolo

Rocco “Rocky” Raymond DeMaiolo entered his home of eternal rest with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, March 3 at the age of 73. By God’s grace, Rocky, arrived on March 5, 1942 to two loving parents who preceded him in death; an immigrant father, Dominic D. DeMaiolo and his wife of 45 years, Mary F. (Melenchick) DeMaiolo, a first generation American. Along with the dutiful attention of his parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins who provided firm, fair and consistent supervision, his upbringing was guided by the tenets of the Catholic faith.

Rocky found his purpose and passion in working with students to determine their own purpose in life. He was an educator for 38 years, retiring from Penn State University – Beaver Campus as Director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies, where he was able to positively influence the lives of countless numbers of students. He earned both Bachelor and Master Degrees from Edinboro State University, and his Principal Certification from Youngstown State University. Regretfully, Rocky never had the honor of serving in the military. However, he was grateful that his life was forged by the WWII Veterans from the Greatest Generation, guided by the courage of those in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Veterans, whom he considered to be the heroes of his generation.

Rocky’s avocations were satisfied by wood-working, boating and riding anything on two wheels…with and without motors! He was a music appreciator, varying from the Big Band era to songs heard in the hills of Tuscany. He was also an artist (he had started his career as an art teacher at Aliquippa Jr. High School), having worked with many different mediums, including pen and ink, watercolors, and clay. He served as a Board President for the Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet Troop D; Commodore of the New Brighton Boat Club; as an Associate of the Vietnam Veterans of America, and in earlier years, as a volunteer for Cub Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Way.

One of his life highlights was traveling across the U.S. with his beloved wife in an RV. Spiritually, he became stronger each day and always knew the one book that he could trust to get the most accurate answers. Gratefully, his final travels are to an eternal home where he is living joyfully with fully restored vigor and health.

Rocky has left behind his wife of 51 years, Susan (Burge) DeMaiolo (with whom he fell in love in the 8th grade), their extremely loving and devoted children, Rocco Scott (Lisa) DeMaiolo of Center Township and Kristi (Hugh) Harper of Monaca; and dear grandchildren Corey, Drew, Evan and Morgan DeMaiolo and Abby Harper. He was especially grateful for the time that he had to talk with each grandchild about their future. Rocky is also survived by many wonderful relatives and friends, with whom he appreciated the time he had to reminisce. His favorite saying was “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”

Rocco & family were very thankful for the many people involved in caring for Rocky since his journey with cancer began in 2012, especially the superb Sarcoma medical team at Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh and the expertise, comfort and support of Good Samaritan Hospice.

Friends and family will be received from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at Noll Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10am on Monday, March 7 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Beaver. Memorial donations can be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America on behalf of “Rocco’s Rangers” (please note in the memo line) and mail to: Pittsburgh CureSarcoma, P.O. Box 194, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com