Obituary of Rocco Mantella

On Wednesday, February, 1st, 2017, Rocco John Mantella, 93, passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Philomena, and son-in-law Robert, in Dedham, Massachusetts. Born on August 16th, 1923 in Cortland, N.Y., Rocky is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Lucille, and their four children, Roxanne, Tino, Philomena, and Tony, as well as ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Mantella, a World War II veteran, fought in the China, Burma, India campaign, earning a Bronze Star. He was the last surviving of six brothers—all WWII returning veterans—and two sisters. Rocco was a loving husband and father, and was also somewhat of a legend in the community as one of Cortland's finest. A self-made businessman, he and Lucille opened a beer distributorship serving the region before he went on to become a top sales representative for the Martlett Brewing Company. Visitation will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home on Sunday, February 5th, from 3pm to 5pm. A memorial service will take place Monday morning, February 6th, at 10am at the funeral home, immediately followed by the burial service at Saint Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of lowers please make contributions to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the VFW. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com