Rocco Joseph Castranova, 65, of Mantua, NJ died peacefully surrounded by family on March 1, 2017 after courageously battling a stroke and cancer. Rocco was born on September 6, 1951 in Bronx NY to Rocco and Marie Castronuovo (nee Concelmo) who had both emigrated from Italy. He was the 10th of 11 children. In 1968, at the age of 17, feeling a sense of patriotic duty, Rocco joined the U.S. Army and served two tours in Vietnam. He earned numerous commendations for his valiant efforts as an Army Medical Corpsman, including the National Defense Service Medal, Air Medal, Sharpshooter Badge, and Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals. Rocco survived a shooting during a rescue mission in 1971 and was awarded the Purple Heart, followed by an honorable discharge.
It was love at first sight when Rocco met Julia Thompson at a bus station in 1976. She was the face he dreamt about while serving in Vietnam. They were married in Wenonah NJ on November 26, 1977. After his military service, Rocco worked an eclectic mix of jobs, with titles ranging from commercial diver, to asbestos removal technician, to dance instructor, and he was also the long-time owner of Thompson Sew Vac at the Berlin Mart. In addition, Rocco spent much of his post-military life voluntarily working to make sure as many Veterans as possible were taken care of properly financially. He referred to them proudly as “my vets”. For several years, Rocco served as the Veteran Service Officer in Gloucester County NJ, and he was also accredited as a National Service Officer.
Rocco will be remembered as a brave soldier, an enthusiastic and loving family man, a loyal, caring friend, and a popular and helpful figure in the local community. He loved his family and country unconditionally and would literally do anything for his loved ones. Rocco enjoyed traveling, going to the casinos, relaxing on the beach, rock music, deal-making, technological gadgets, rigatoni with his wife’s special meatballs, and spending time at his local VFW Post 5579 in Gibbstown NJ. As a father, he was a master at telling bedtime stories, singing Italian songs, and going to the arcades, where he shined as a pinball wizard and skee-ball shooter extraordinaire.
Rocco is survived by his wife and soul-mate, Julia Castranova (nee Thompson); his daughter and son-in-law, Moriah and Mark Liachowitz; his daughter, Elisabeth Castranova (Christopher Melazzo); his son, Rocco W. Castranova (Nikki Sprigman); his beloved grand-daughter, Marrah Liachowitz; and numerous other loving relatives.
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday March 11th at 1:00 p.m. at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 240 North Tuckahoe Road, Williamstown, NJ, with a luncheon to follow at VFW Post 1616, 1940 Black Horse Pike, Williamstown, NJ. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rocco’s life.