Rocco J. Palermo

On April 15, 2022 of Sicklerville. Age 90. Beloved husband of the late Esther (nee Tonella).  Devoted father of Mary Ann Exler (Raymond) and Andrew Palermo.  Loving grandfather of Adrianna Astringer (Stephen) and Dr. Gabrielle Santarelli (Robert). Proud great-grandfather of Severino and Felix. Dear brother of the late Lou Palermo.

Rocky was born on December 4,1931 to Michele and Mariangela Palermo in their home in Linwood PA.  Brother Lou was 4 years old and I am sure a little unsure of this “bundle of joy.”

Rocky went to Holy Savior Elementary School and was an altar server at the Parish Church until he was in High School.  Eddystone High was his alma mater and Football was his passion. Love for the pigskin continued FOREVER..into PrepSchool and college at Pennsylvania Military College – now known as Widener University. It was while Rocky was at PMC that a fellow cadet said, “Hey let’s go to a dance at Moore College of Art! I’m dating a girl that has a friend, Esther, and you can be her date.”  Esther and Rocky went on a few more group dates and then Rocky enlisted in the Air Force.  He thought he would be stationed in West Palm Beach but after a short year in Seattle off he went to Alaska for his last three years of service.   It was there while playing football, basketball, baseball and boxing that he started to think of Esther.  Letters went back and forth and shortly after discharge he reconnected with Esther and shortly after that they were engaged in 1958. They were married November 21, 1959. Mary Ann came along on October 21, 1960 and Andy the next year on September 28.

The couple lived in Chester at the time. Rocky played semi -pro football and even had a 12 day stretch on the Philadelphia Eagles. Even though Rocky was a Business Major; teaching kids was always his passion and his first job landed him at Elwyn Institute in Media PA. Rocky was the gym teacher and activity organizer for grown children with various handicaps. In 1962 the family of 4 moved to Pennsauken and Rocky (after taking night courses to earn his teaching degree) found a job at Medford Memorial School teaching Special Ed. for 25 years. He retired in 1987. Not sure what to do he helped Mary Ann at home with her kids. He was working out at a gym and since he was always helping others find exercises to make their bodies better; it was a natural progression to take a course to be a Personal Trainer and the second half of his lifetime Career was born. Rocky trained folks at Gold’s Gym, All Pro Gym and finally at the YMCA of Mt Laurel.  He stayed there until he was 88.

Rocky loved kids – teaching them, coaching them at St. Pete’s, reffing and umping games …He was a natural athlete and respected all genres of sports. He was Poppop extraordinaire to Gab and Nani.. bragging about their successes in school and careers while they bragged about their Poppop still beating guys 25 years younger than him in racquetball and tennis. He was a devoted Uncle to his brother’s 4 kids – Gloria, Mike, Patty and Louie and proud of them all as he was of Mary Ann & Andy. He was Mary Ann’s idol and hero and Andy’s Guiding Light. He will be the legend and story of perseverance and heart to be told to his great grandchildren to inspire them to always do what they love and give 300% effort toward that.. But most of all he will be united with his wife of almost 60 years Esther…. their laughter and smiles will once more and for always mingle together in Heaven..until we all are together again.

Family and friends are invited to attend his visitation Thursday 9:15 – 10:45 AM at St. Charles Borromeo RC Church, 176 Stagecoach Rd., Sicklerville, NJ 08081. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM. Entombment All Saints Cemetery, Newfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rocco’s memory may be made to St. Charles Borromeo RC Church at the above address.

“A Life Well Lived Is Worth Remembering”