Samuel Joseph Dirocco

Leetonia-July 12,2010-Samuel J. DiRocco, 85, of 145 Pine St., died at 10:40 p.m. Monday at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. DiRocco was born June 23, 1925 in Leetonia, a son of Samuel and Pauline Morelli DiRocco and had lived in this area all of his life.

Sam was an assembler for the former Fordees in Leetonia for 30 years retiring in 1990. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Joe Williams Post #131 American Legion, Fraternal Order of Eagles #1496 and the Italian American Club in Leetonia and the York Drexler Post #5532 VFW in Washingtonville. Sam was in the US Navy during World War II serving in the Atlantic and the Pacific. He enjoyed many hobbies including dancing, playing the lottery and horseshoes but most of all spending time with his family.

His wife, the former Elvira Jane McGoogan, whom he married October 23, 1948 died September 28, 2008.

He is survived by his three daughters, Karen (Marty) Orr, Sandra Deville and Lori (Mike) Marston all of Leetonia; three sons, Paul E. (Cindy) DiRocco and James S. DiRocco both of Leetonia and Michael A. (Pam) DiRocco of Louisville; 13 grandchildren, Angie, Jodi, Amy, Melissa, Nikki, Sam, Bob, Nick, Liza, Jessica, Nicholas, Sophia, and Valerie; five great grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Chuck (Evelyn) Pete of Salem.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Paul DiRocco.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Reverend Thomas Eisweirth officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be accorded. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.