Rocco Pietrofesa

Rocco William Pietrofesa, a cherished educator, esteemed wine connoisseur, and beloved family man, passed away, on February 8, 2025, due to a sudden health condition in his home. He was born on November 15, 1944, in Glen Cove, NY, to the late John Frank and Gertrude Kennedy Pietrofesa.

Rocco was predeceased by his loving wife, Sandra, who left this world just three months prior and his sisters, Mary Rose and Sarah. His legacy continues through his daughter, Danielle Paulding; his son, Rocco Pietrofesa; his adored grandchildren, Olivia and Jackson; his sisters, Rita and Joanie; and his lifelong friend, Mike Pettit, who was like another son to him.

A proud alumnus of Marist College, Rocco's mastery in education was not just in his degree but in his years of dedicated service as a foreign language teacher at both Hudson and Highland High Schools. His commitment to education was paralleled only by his enthusiasm for life's many pleasures.

Rocco's interests were as diverse as they were engaging. An active member of the Saugerties Fish and Game Club, the Blue Kats Men's Club, the Landowners and Sportsman Association, and the Knights of Columbus, he found joy and camaraderie in each. His strong love for the outdoors, playing golf or gardening, was not just a hobby but a place where he found satisfaction in the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed baseball, not only as a spectator but as a high school baseball umpire with the Kingston Baseball Umpire Association. The vast waters of the Great Lakes and the familiar tides of the river that flowed just off his backyard, knew well the gentle cast of his fishing line. Rocco's fishing excursions were not merely for sport but for the fellowship that comes with shared silence and anticipation of the catch.

Rocco's name was synonymous with wine; His cellar was a haven for the enthusiast, and his reputation spanned from the eastern seaboard to the western vineyards and beyond. As a member of the Italian American Club, he generously shared his craft, and as a consultant with the St. John David Wine Club in New Paltz, he was revered. His voice resonated in podcasts, and his insights were sought after at the Wine Maker Conference. Yet, it was the friendships he cultivated over a glass of wine or homemade sausage in his cellar that truly captured the essence of his life. His life was a masterclass in how to pursue one's passions wholeheartedly while nurturing the relationships that make life worth living.

His Funeral Service will be held 10 AM Friday at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home Inc. His visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Saugerties Babe Ruth, P.O.Box 606, Saugerties, NY. 12477.  Please share a photo or memory on his tribute wall at SeamonWilseyFuneralHome.com

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