Joe "Rocky" Alfieri, Jr., 58, passed away on Friday, March 30 after a long illness.
He was born July 13, 1953, the son of Joseph and Elsie Alfieri.
Though he never wrote a book, found fame or amassed wealth, 'Rocky' lived a life of simple humility and concern for others, in spite of suffering for years from health problems.
He loved the sense of family and created a large extended family of people he encountered in shops, on streets, at hospitals and pharmacies. He knew their full names, their kids' names, the problems and joys of their lives. He showed, by example, how it matters to listen and be present for others. During his life, he practiced patience and kindness. He was also gifted with unusual memory, recounting names and events from decades past, who sat where around the family reunion table 50 years earlier - and what they talked about, and many other details of peoples' lives.
Survivors include siblings Gary of Ripon, Larry of Portland, Oregon and Cindy of Mountain View and Ripon. He also leaves behind his caregiver friends from 13 and 14 Long Bldg at UCSF Medical Center, and many who travelled long distances to pray and care for Rocky up until his final breaths.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elsie Alfieri.
Rosary was Tuesday, April 3 at Deegan's Funeral Chapel, Escalon.
Mass will be at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Modesto, Wednesday, April 4, at 10 a.m.
Private burial at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Ripon.
Donations may be made in his honor to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 505 W. Granger, Modesto, CA 95350.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
April 4, 2012
He was born July 13, 1953, the son of Joseph and Elsie Alfieri.
Though he never wrote a book, found fame or amassed wealth, 'Rocky' lived a life of simple humility and concern for others, in spite of suffering for years from health problems.
He loved the sense of family and created a large extended family of people he encountered in shops, on streets, at hospitals and pharmacies. He knew their full names, their kids' names, the problems and joys of their lives. He showed, by example, how it matters to listen and be present for others. During his life, he practiced patience and kindness. He was also gifted with unusual memory, recounting names and events from decades past, who sat where around the family reunion table 50 years earlier - and what they talked about, and many other details of peoples' lives.
Survivors include siblings Gary of Ripon, Larry of Portland, Oregon and Cindy of Mountain View and Ripon. He also leaves behind his caregiver friends from 13 and 14 Long Bldg at UCSF Medical Center, and many who travelled long distances to pray and care for Rocky up until his final breaths.
He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Elsie Alfieri.
Rosary was Tuesday, April 3 at Deegan's Funeral Chapel, Escalon.
Mass will be at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Modesto, Wednesday, April 4, at 10 a.m.
Private burial at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Ripon.
Donations may be made in his honor to Our Lady of Fatima Church, 505 W. Granger, Modesto, CA 95350.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
April 4, 2012
