Michael Celletti
Rocco M. Celletti
08-11-1934
Rocco was born in Providence, RI; the 8th child of 9; the 2nd son. He was born in a hurry in between floors in the hospital elevator (always in a hurry) to Italian immigrant parents.
Mary, his mother, died when he was 12. His father (Rocco also) moved four of the nine children – driving across the country to Modesto, California for a new start.
Rocco was 16 when his father became too ill to work. Rocco left school and worked full time until his father died and sisters married. At 19 he became a student again graduating at 21.
The US Army called and off Rocco was sent to Fort Lewis (much to his dismay). The 4th Division Headquarters said “You are now a printer” and then 2 years later, the Army Reserves said “You are now a medic.” He trained under the Pierce County coroner doctor and boxing judge. He loved this because of his love for boxing and his brother who was a New England boxing (lightweight) champion.
Beverly and Rocco met in 1957 at the Tacoma Roller Bowl; marrying May 1, 1959 at Southside Church of Christ by George Moore.
In following years, sons Michael, Mark, Marty and Don Iams.
Printer’s ink stayed with Rocco from 1955 to 2018. He was partners in Dell’s Printing and Cascade Printing, later forming “The Printer’s Helper” where Rocco was the Boss!
Jesus was Rocco’s Savior and Guide since he was 19. Serving, guiding, helping and encouraging those he met and loved all his life – as a deacon, elder, or just a friend. Rocco loved children and widows often driving a yellow bus taking them to church and home again.
In the 1980’s Rocco took a year off work to help plan and build the present Zion’s River building. The city of Tacoma said there could not be a sign on the property. Rocco proceeded to take pictures of signs at churches up and down 56th Street, presented a slide show to the Tacoma building council and got the sign okayed. He was a very determined and positive person.
In his later years he encouraged the youth of Tacoma schools in Junior Achievement and helping Kiwanis groups feed homeless on Thanksgiving days.
Lately, Rocco spent time with sons and grandchildren growing tomatoes, gardening and hoping for great grandchildren, still planning for better days in Heaven.