Rocco N. Gedaro

SOUTH PORTLAND - Decorated World War II hero, Staff Sargent, Rocco N. Gedaro, 87, of Boothby Avenue died Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at Maine Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Rocky was born in Portland, Maine on February 9, 1924 the son of Antonio and Marie Intrieri Gedaro. He attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School. After high school, Rocky entered the United States Army on November 1, 1943, at Camp Croft, South Carolina. In April of 1944 he arrived in Plymouth, England to train for the Normandy Invasion. On June 8, 1944 he landed in Normandy, France, two days after the Normandy Invasion, as one of the first replacements for the 90th Infantry Division, Company C "357" Regiment. Rocky fought every battle from June 8, 1944 to January 13, 1945 until a severe case of frost bite caused him to be hospitalized in England for three months, after which he was assigned to a non-combat engineering outfit in Southern France. When the war ended in Europe in September of 1945, Rocky was on a ship headed back to the United States. He fought in battle Campaigns that included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Battle of the Bulge. For his brave service, he was awarded the military's Bronze Star Medal, fourth-highest honor for bravery, heroism or meritorious service in defense of his nation. After returning from his combat action, Rocky met and married Betty Jane Irvine at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church of Portland. He went to work for the United State Post Office, retiring after more than thirty years of employment. He had a side business, Rocks T.V. Repair, that he ran for many years. Rocky's children often commented that he could fix anything. Rocco and Betty Jane enjoyed spending time at the family cottage on Little Sebago Lake, which included a huge stone fireplace made of rocks that he and his children gathered in the family station wagon. He loved puttering around and was always working on a project or fixing something at the family home or camp. Rocky was an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox's Fan and loved going to the races at harness tracks. There are also, many fond memories of the yearly Easter egg hunt which Rocky would host. Rocky believed in helping others and spent time volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, Relay for Life, Coats for Kids campaign, and the Italian Heritage Club. At Christmas time, Rocky was well known for giving cash from his own pocket to under privileged children. Rocky was a member of the South Portland VFW Post #832; the Harold T. Andrews American Legion Post No 17 of Portland; Portland Elks Lodge and the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Maine Medical Center's staff for their respect and care of our dad. Rocky was predeceased by his wife Betty Jane Irvine on May 22, 1992, five brothers Frank, Louie, Joseph, Andrew and James Gedaro. He is survived by four daughters Joanne A. Kennedy of South Portland, Kay and her husband David Mallory of South Portland, Mary Lou Mundy of Gorham, Theresa R. and her husband Jim Fox of Cape Elizabeth, one son Anthony J. Gedaro and his companion Patricia Keaney of South Portland. Rocky also is survived by his longtime loving companion, Frances Smith and her family of Scarborough. Survivors also include Rocky's sister-in-law, Mary Gedaro, plus several nieces and nephews. Rocky was proud "Grampy" to grandchildren Daniel Kennedy and his wife, Stephanie, Jody Devero and fiance' Cathy Mitchell, Nicole and Joel Mundy and Melissa Mallory. He also enjoyed his three grand-dogs and a grand-cat. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours to be held on Sunday, September 25, 2011from 2:00 to 5:00pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9:15am on Monday, September 26, 2011, followed by a 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland, Maine. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, 1461 Broadway, South Portland. Those who wish may make contributions in Rocco's memory to the charity of one's Choice. Online Condolences for Rocco Gedaro