elevated jyZce February 6, 1931- May 11, 2021

elevated jyZce It is with profound sadness that the family of Rocco Luciani-Diciano announce his passing on May 11, 2021 in Richmond Hill, after a brief illness.  He was 90 years of age.

elevated jyZce Rocco is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years Anna and his children Vince, Domenic, Julie (Ciro) and Diana.  Dearest Nonno to Paulina, Daniel, Christian, Matthew, and Jessica.  Rocco was part of a large family and was survived by his brother Pasquale (Ilda), and sisters Iolanda and Fiorina (Ettore) and his sister-in-law Liliana Della Nebbia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom.  He was predeceased by his sisters Luisa (Reggino), Gilda, Giuseppina (Rinaldo), brother- in-laws Nicola Ursini and Mario Della Nebbia; his parents Francesco and Antonietta Luciani and Vincenzo and Guilia Diciano and In Laws Domenico and Assunta Della Nebbia.

elevated jyZce Rocco left Italy when he was young man to build a life in Canada.  He was a smart, conscientious, resilient, man who was always willing to learn and try as hard as he could at everything he did.  Rocco also had a lot of hobbies that included hunting, fishing, gardening, and travel to many parts of the world.  Rocco and Anna enjoyed participating in the local Senior Italian Club which helped keep them active with many parties, events, and regular bocce games.  Dad was a man of his own mind with a laid back, fantastic attitude.  His devotion to his family was exemplary.  We will all miss him forever.

elevated jyZce In lieu of flowers, donations to Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital or Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by family.

elevated jyZce Due to the COVID restrictions all Services will be private.

elevated jyZce Family and friends are invited to View the Funeral Mass on Monday May 17, 2021 at10:30 a.m. Please click the link below.

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elevated jyZce Our dad was born in 1931 in a small town called Mozzagrongna located in the province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy.  The eldest boy of 5 sisters and 1 brother,  he was raised by a couple who were not his birth parents, and last name he later took on (Diciano). Our dad worked as a Carabinieri(Police Officer) during his twenties, which undoubtedly imbued him with a strong sense of integrity, loyalty and strength. Despite the benefits of that job, he was restless for a better life and greater opportunity.

elevated jyZce Our dad came to Canada in that search for a better life in 1956 where he took on various jobs that included construction and working on building various bridges in the Toronto region. Always striving for a better paying job, and saving most of his money, he was able to start the next chapter of his life.  At that time, he returned to Italy in 1961 to meet and marry our Mother on March 4^th, 1962. He threw an elaborate reception even by the standards of that time and region that our mother still remembers to this day. Returning to Canada with a wife and not a lot of money, he took on a job with Imperial Oil, delivering fuel oil to homes in the very cold winter months and working construction jobs in the summer months. After renting for many years, he was able to buy a large plot of land in the Hinterlands at the time called Richmond Hill. Clearing the land himself, he aided in the construction of the house and the family moved there in 1968 where he stayed for most of his life.  Our parents always had a magnificent garden, full of healthy organic vegetables and always knew the importance of eating whole, healthy good foods before it became fashionable to do so.

elevated jyZce Growing up, we remember our dad to be hard working, a family man who was also adventurous and fun. He took us on vacations to Italy for the summer to visit our grandparents and build a second home he planned to retire to in the future. Italy was a place that always held a special place in his heart.  We went up north and spent summers at a cottage, we took road trips to various cities in Canada.  My dad also took his annual hunting trips with his brother and brother-in-laws.

elevated jyZce He was a man who lived in the present and did the things he wanted to do, and spent his time with the people who were the most important to him.  But he always provided for his family first and provided us with the best life he could, and that he did. 

elevated jyZce Community and culture were important to our dad.  He was proud of his heritage and went to many Italian festivals, loved music and art, listened and danced to Italian music, and the songs that made him happy.

elevated jyZce Our dad took our mom to many of the places he wanted to travel to, including the dream he had to visit the holy land in Israel, went to most parts of Italy, and Europe, went on a few Caribbean cruises, spent many winter months in Mexico and other parts of Canada and the US, to name a few.  He loved to travel and visit new places especially warm climates and beautiful beaches.

elevated jyZce We knew our dad to be an incredibly strong and intelligent man who took care of his family first and foremost, loved our mom to no limit and was our hero. His guiding hand and unbridled energy was the cornerstone of our family. He was grateful for the simple things and never complained. He lived by his own terms and rules and truly was a creator of his life. Everyone who met our dad knew him for his kind and compassionate heart and his zest for life.  He was humble, loyal, honourable and respectful to people, was a man of his word, determined, focused and unstoppable when it came time to achieve his goals. He never let obstacles or other people’s opinions be a barrier to achieve what he set out to accomplish. He had always had a youthful look for his age because of his love for life. His heart of gold and boundless love was truly felt by many.

elevated jyZce He was full of life until his very last moments, fought hard to stay and wanted to go back to his home one last time. He always did his best, until the very end.  We celebrated his 90^th birthday just 3 short months ago where he was in good health.  We will never understand why it was God’s plan to take him from us at this time, but on this journey we know he is at peace reunited with his parents, sisters, brother in laws, nieces, aunts, uncles and friends in heaven.

elevated jyZce He will always be a strong influence in all of our lives and live forever in our hearts. We will remember the fond memories, the lessons he taught, his no problem attitude, and the beautiful, long happy life he lived.  He will never be forgotten, and we will forever cherish and honour his legacy. 

elevated jyZce We love you dad.. until we meet again.

elevated jyZce Rest in Peace .. xoxo

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