Obituary of James A. Della Rocco

Age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Colonial Ridge, Elcor Health Services. James was born in Elmira on July 7, 1943 the son of the late George J. and Elizabeth Punzo Della Rocco. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Guinta of Elmira; nephews Anthony (Lisa) and James (Colleen Daly) Guinta, Nicholas (Sandra) Della Rocco; nieces, Jamie and Elizabeth (Leo Diaz) Guinta, Annette (Greg) Kealey; great nieces, Maggie Guinta, Emma Kealey and Amiah Driscoll; six great nephews, Joseph Guinta, Kyrel Guinta, Jerick Guinta, Jack and Will Kealey, Dominic Della Rocco. He is also survived by his aunts, Angelina Decker and Theresa Held. Jimmy devoted his life to his nieces and nephews and helped raise them as his own. They adored their "Uncle Bunky". Jimmy attended Elmira Free Academy and Corning Community College. He worked at the Chemung County Sewer District No. 1, from its inception, for 30 years. Jimmy was a lifelong communicant of St. Anthony's Church until its closing. He was an avid New York Yankee fan and attended games at Yankee Stadium each summer with his dear and devoted friend of 60 years, Marty Chalk. Jimmy was the most generous, caring and kind person and a pleasure to know. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m., St. Patrick's Church. Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Jimmy's family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Brenda and all the caregivers of Colonial Ridge at Elcor Health Center for the wonderful care they provided. Donations in Jimmy's memory may be directed to the Falck Cancer Center, 600 Roe Ave., Elmira NY 14905.