Shrewsbury – Rocco “Rocky” DiVerdi, 86, passed away peacefully Monday Aug. 22, 2011, with family by his side, 12 years to the day his beloved wife of 53 years, Carmella “Millie” DiVerdi, passed.
Born Feb. 18, 1925, he was a son of Michael and Rose (Riciardi) DiVerdi and a graduate of Worcester Boys Trade. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II to serve his country.
While raising a family, Mr. DiVerdi entered Worcester Polytechnic Institute, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He then began a long career as an engineer working for Raytheon Corp., before retiring in 1986. He had lived in Shrewsbury for more than 54 years and was a member of St. Anne's Church.
He is survived by his 10 devoted children, Michael A. DiVerdi and his wife Gail of Lancaster, Vincent G. DiVerdi and his wife Shirley of Center, Texas, Rocco “Teaky” R. DiVerdi Jr. and his wife Karen of Holden, Marc A. and John P. DiVerdi both of Shrewsbury, Robert R. DiVerdi and his wife Maria of Paxton, RoseMary “Sissy” Scala and her husband John of Worcester, Esther N. Moynihan and her husband Michael of Auburn, Carmella M. Cardwell of Holden, and Rachel M. DeCola and her husband William of Paxton; two brothers, Joseph DiVerdi of West Boylston and Alfred “Fred” DiVerdi of Worcester; 44 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and June (Blanco) Taitel and extended family and friends. A brother, John DiVerdi, predeceased him.
Mr. DiVerdi had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He kept up with the latest computer technology, enjoyed history and traveling.
The family would like to thank Nancy and the UMass Memorial Hospice team for their care, compassion and understanding.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday Aug. 25, from 4 to 8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St, Worcester. His funeral will be held Friday Aug. 26 from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. John Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary School, PO Box 1000, Still River, MA 01467.
For online condolences, please visit Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel.
