It is with profound sadness that the family of Rocco Antonio Vita, announce his unexpected passing on June 30th, 2015 with his loving family by his side.
Rocco was born in Port Arthur, Ontario on March 8th, 1967 to parents Giovanni and Pasqualina Vita of Scilla, Italy; their only child born in Canada. He grew up on Machar Avenue until the Vita family moved to Essex Court in 1978.
It was there as a teenager he met and fell in love with “the girl next door” and they have been inseparable ever since. Rocco and Kerri were married March 20th, 1991 and shared an incredible friendship lasting more than thirty years.
A remarkable bond that could never be broken, no matter the struggles or hardships they faced together to raise a family. Rocco and Kerri were so happy to soon be celebrating 25 years of marriage and expecting their first grandchild, a boy, soon to be born.
So proud to be a dad, he was an absolutely amazing father to his two daughters Lacey and Angela. He was a very hard worker, and always kept Kerri and his daughters his number one priority. One of his most joy filled moments was being Father of the Bride last summer. His speech was impeccable, his outfit unforgettable, and his biggest brake stand of his life was jaw dropping; making for the most memorable wedding photo.
Rocco was exceptionally mechanically inclined, and was known to be able to fix absolutely anything. He was a self-taught mechanic, auto body repair man/painter, and transmission rebuilder.
One of his greatest accomplishments was obtaining his Class A Mechanic license in 2003. He spent many years working at Speedy Muffler and most recently, until 2008, at Transimport. He was well known in the automotive community and would enjoy being called upon for his knowledgeable advice.
Left to mourn his loss with broken hearts are his wife Kerri, daughters Lacey and Angela, and the best son-in-law a family could ever hope for, Dave Skogberg; whom Rocco was so very fond of. Also left to mourn are his brother Dominic (Lina) whom he admired for his wisdom and brotherly advice, sister Sina (David) whom he adored, and mother Pasqualina whom he cherished. Affectionately referred to as “Uncle Roc” by his nephews Jason Bylund, Giovanni Vita, and nieces Rosalina Vita and Kristina Bessason; Rocco’s presence in their lives will be sorely missed.
Rocco was predeceased by his father Giovanni in October 1997, his beloved sister Grace Bylund in November 2014, and most recently by his nephew Michael Vita in February 2015.
Funeral Services for Rocco will be held on Tuesday July 7th, 2015, leaving the HARBOURVIEW FUNERAL CENTRE at 10:30 AM to go to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, 123 Hilldale Road, where a Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM by Fr. Luigi Filippini. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday July 6th, 2015 from 5:30 PM until 8:00 PM in the Chapel of the HARBOURVIEW FUNERAL CENTRE, 499 North Cumberland Street, with Vigil Prayers being offered at 7:00 PM that same evening (The prayer service will also be broadcast live at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca for those unable to attend).
So very happy to become a Grandfather, it would be Rocco’s wish, in lieu of flowers, for donations to be made in trust for his unborn Grandson through TD Canada Trust, to be established.
