Rocco J. Cancellaro
April 20, 1931 ~ April 25, 2019 (age 88) 88 Years OldShare using:
Rocco J. Cancellaro, 88, of Willimantic, died peacefully on Thursday, April 25, 2019 after a long illness. Son of Joseph and Helen P. (Attivissimo) Cancellaro, he was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 20, 1931. He moved with his family to Willimantic in 1936.
Mr. Cancellaro served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict as a radioman on the U.S.S. Albert T. Harris where he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and was named Seaman of the Year. After being honorably discharged, he attended Willimantic State Teachers College, graduating in 1958.
Mr. Cancellaro began his teaching career at the Helen Baldwin School in Canterbury, where he taught for three years. “Mr. Canc” continued teaching Science to generations of students in the Windham Public Schools until his retirement in 1992. An active member of the Willimantic Lions Club, Mr. Cancellaro served as Treasurer for many years. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow, and received the Melvin Jones Progressive Award for continued service. For many years he was involved with the Windham Special Olympics swim meet.
Mr. Cancellaro leaves his wife of 61 years, Jacqueline (Daigneault) Cancellaro; daughter, Christine George and her husband Michael of New Britain, CT; son, Michael Cancellaro and his wife Brenda of Hebron, CT; daughter, Carolyn Bachmann of Manchester; grandchildren, Leslie George, Phillip George, Erik Bachmann, Elena Bachmann, Nicholas Cancellaro and Benjamin Cancellaro. He also leaves sisters Rosemarie Dion of San Diego, CA; MaryAnn Rusczyk of Kensington, CT; Marcia Major of Mansfield, CT; and Phyllis Knowles of Ealing, London, England. Mr. Cancellaro was pre-deceased by his daughter, Karen, and his son-in-law, Raimo Bachmann.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Hartford Hospital, Windham Hospital and Douglas Manor for their excellent care and compassion.
Mr. Cancellaro’s family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic. Services to be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.