Rocco Antonio Marrapodi Martelli

Rocco Antonio Marrapodi Martelli, 87

Lowellville…Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at the Wasko Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:0 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish at St. Lucy Catholic Church, with Rev. Gerald DeLucia officiating, for Rocco Antonio Marrapodi Martelli, 87, who left this earth to tend bar for the angels on April 1, 2019.

Rocco was born on March 2, 1932, in Casignana, Reggio Calabria, Italy, to Michael Marrapodi and Angela Falcomata.

In 1953, with $10.00 in his pocket, Rocky immigrated to the United States, settling in Campbell, where he proudly earned his American citizenship. He was a 1958 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School.

He was sponsored by Frank and Teresa Martelli who loved him as a son. Rocky owned and operated the Valley Café since 1960. He proudly served the Youngstown Sheet and Tube mill workers before and after their shifts. Now a neighborhood bar, the Valley continues to serve a dedicated group of customers. A selfless man, Rocky was a friend to one and all. He would never deny a request and was always there to provide support and encouragement. He loved to recite his “wise old sayings” with one of his favorite being “Bon giornu cumparuzzu chi faciti sempri viu a vui chi lavurati cussi” bellizzi vostri chi ndaviti non e” giustu mi vi trapazzati.”

Rocky will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his wife of nearly 60 years, Angela Stipo Martelli, whom he married September 6, 1959,  He will also be sadly missed by his children, Theresa Martelli (Craig Lepak), Jojo Martelli, Frances Whitehurst (Steve Whitehurst deceased) and grandchildren Christina, Matthew and Anthony Lepak who meant the world to him.

Rocco was preceded in death by his parents; and his son-in-law, Steve Whitehurst.

The Martelli family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Wasko Funeral Home and will receive family and friends Thursday, April 4, 2019, from 4-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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