Rocco “Rocky” Miano

He lived a long and prosperous life. In his nearly 93 years, he watched the world change around him and was a part of history while it was being made. He was a quiet-patient man that found contentment sitting in his recliner surrounded by his grandkids watching a ballgame on TV. He was tired and worn and ready to journey home to be with his beloved wife, daughter and family. He will be sorely missed. However, now is not the time for sorrow, it is the time to celebrate his life.

He was born to Anthony and Maria Miano on Jan. 23, 1926, in Jamestown, N.Y. He was educated by the Jamestown Public Schools. He worked along-side his family at their corner grocery store on Water Street, serving his community and making lifelong friends in his neighborhood. He was a communicant of St James Roman Catholic Church.

He proudly served his country during World War II while in the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life, Rose Mary Merchant Chrispell on July 5, 1971. Not only did he gain a beautiful bride that he loved with all of his heart, but a daughter as well, Melody. He was a dedicated man that loved his family and always made them his first priority.

He worked in manufacturing. He accepted a job at Watsons Manufacturing; and worked until his retirement in 1988. He moonlighted over the years as a bartender in various local establishments including Sandy’s Grill and the Blue Room. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He loved all sports in particular baseball and football. He was an avid Yankees fan, going to several of their away games throughout the years with his wife, Rose Mary. Though he never attended Buffalo Bills game, often joking that his wife would get them thrown out of the stadium, (she yelled and swore in three languages and threw things at the TV — She defended her “boys” zealously), and he watched all games aired on TV.

In his spare time, he enjoyed painting and often gifted his masterpieces to his family members. He also loved putting together models of clipper ships with many intricate and miniscule parts. It was in those enduring moments he was most likely to utter a rare curse word. Otherwise, he was a tolerant man of very little words, who liked to be in the background and let his crazy-loud wife take charge.

His wife always said, “God broke the mold when he made Rocky”–he is one of a kind, which I’m sure is why he never sent her packing to the “nut ward” as he always threatened weekly during their 36 years of marriage. He had an infectious smile and greeted all with firm handshake. He taught all of his grandkids the importance of good handshake as well. He had a great sense of humor and would always bring you up when you were down by stealing your nose or offering to give you a punch to the nose or the ever popular knuckle sandwich–”How deep do you want it?,” if you were too rambunctious or had a “funga” face. He’d throw us up on his shoulder proudly proclaiming, ” sack of potatoes for sale, how much will you offer?” He’d start the bidding at a knickel and maybe you’d get a quarter by the end, if you were lucky. My favorite, learning to dance while standing atop his shoes. He was our hero and larger than life growing up. He always ended his afternoon by singing “Good Night Irene” then heading off to bed for his “siesta.” So instead of goodbye …. Good night Irene, good night, I’ll see you in my dreams.

He was preceded in death by his parents; adored wife, Rose Mary; the daughter of his heart, Melody Kliaber; his brothers: Anthony and Lawrence Miano; and his sisters: Rosie Volpe and Jenny (Virginia) Butera Pelham.

He is survived by the sons of his heart, his nephews: Sam Butera of Las Vegas, Nev., Basil Volpe of Las Vegas, Nev., and Sandy Volpe of Jamestown, N.Y.; his grandchildren: Kelly Surrena, Amanda (Andrea) Weaver, and William (Lisa) Weaver of Jamestown, N.Y.; his great-grandchildren: Kymberil Bogardus, William Dorman III, Jacob Surrena-Dahlin and Josh, Lilly and Max Veracruz. Finally his great-great- grandchildren: Izabellah Rose Ulinger, Rocklyn Jo Ulinger, Kaiden Morse, Tavian Dorman, Jaxon Weaver, Jianna Melody Pinto and Novah Leigh Weaver.

Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8p.m., at Hubert Funeral home and Cremation Services.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m., at St. James Roman Catholic Church followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Send a condolence by visiting www.hubertfuneral home.com.