Rocco Anthony Jesso

Rocco A. Jesso

Family & friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday March 8^th from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Route 107) Revere for Rocco Anthony Jesso, who died on Wednesday, March 4^th after a lengthy illness at Massachusetts General Hospital, he was 83 years old. A funeral will be conducted on Monday March 9^th beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11 a.m.. Mr. Jesso was born & raised in his family home in Charlestown. He was educated in Boston Public Schools and graduated from Boston Technical H.S. class of 1949. He then attended Boston University, earning a B.S. in Public Relations in 1954. After he graduated from Boston University, he was compelled to join the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, serving his country for 2 years. He returned home from his service and continued the pursuit of his education. Rocco returned to Boston University, earning his Masters’ Degree in Education, for “Special Needs”. That same year on October 13^th,1958 , Rocco married his long time sweetheart Rosalie L. Bravoco. The couple then moved to Revere to raise their three children & later returning to his native Charlestown. Rocco began his teaching career in Special Education in the Boston Public School System, specifically East Boston High School. During his tenure, he became the Department Head of Special Education. This was not a job for him, it was his life’s passion. He poured himself into his work to help enrich the lives of every student that he encountered. He also taught classes at the Barnes School in East Boston on American Immigration. Rocco also found time to dedicate to other kids, in sports. He coached J.V. Track, J.V. Baseball, Soccer but above all he was the Hockey Coach at East Boston High School for 26 years. Rocco had a gift whether in the classroom, on a field, on the ice or in the streets to take the time to listen to what was happening in a person’s life and guide them. He truly inspired these children to better themselves, to help them see a different path in life and make better choices for themselves, because he genuinely cared. In 1984, Rocco earned another Master’s Degree from Salem State College in School Administration. Rocco is a prime example of a man of great character and determination, all that he had attained in his life, he did while being a caring & loving father & devoted husband while caring for his ailing wife for many years. He endured hardships in his life and felt the pain of losing his wife and his son. He was a man who loved what he did & he made a difference in many of the lives he encountered. He is the devoted husband of the late Rosalie L. (Bravoco) Jesso of whom he shared 36 years of marriage. He is the loving father of Laura M. McDonald of Winthrop, Christine J. Pasquariello of Peabody & the late Michael J. Jesso. He is the cherished grandfather of Michael T. Jesso of NH & Matthew M. McDonald of FL. He is the beloved brother of Mary Jesso & Lee Jesso both of Charlestown & the late Phyllis Perrone. Also lovingly survived by several nieces, nephews,cousins & many extended family, collegues former students & players. He is the late member of; Knights of Columbus (Revere) East Boston Athletic Board , Special Class Teachers’ Assoc. Boston Coaches Assoc., Mass State Hockey Assoc. & V.F.W. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place Suite 201, Boston, MA 02114-2031.

Services

Visiting Hours

Sunday, March 8th from 2 to 6 p.m.

Funeral Service

Monday, March 9th  at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home

Interment

Holy Cross Cemetery (Malden)

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to Make A Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place Suite 201, Boston, MA 02114-2031.