Quaker Valley HS Class of 1960

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Quaker Valley High School Class 1960

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Faculty 1958/60

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Tribute to Rocky by Al Vaccaro:

If you haven't had this passed on to you, it is a memorial that I wrote for Rocky's recent passing. Please feel free to pass it on as you see fit to do so. Rocky will be so sadly missed by so many. Al Vaccaro

In September of 1956, five fourteen year old guys met during the first week of school of the newly formed school district of Quaker Valley. Through shared classes, participation in athletics, similar personalities, values, and sense of humor, Len Chiaverini, Joe Deramo, Rocky DeMaiolo, Al Vish, and myself, bonded as close buddies, for what was to be the next almost sixty years. We remained the closest of buddies throughout our entire high school years. After we graduated from high school, our paths necessarily deviated somewhat because of followup education and careers, getting married, geographical location changes, and raising our children, all of which limited our time together, but never our close feelings for each other. Then, as time passed and our lives' circumstances began to change again, about twenty five years ago as we entered midlife, fate and good fortune once again brought these five buddies and their wives...Marlene, Janet, Mickey and Sue, together with a renewed close knit and loving relationship. And, for an all too brief time, Al Vish, Rocky, and I began a period of riding our motorcycles together in our 60's.........our ages, not the speed at which we rode! And Rocky and I played football against each other at the college level, when Edinboro and IUP played during the season of 1963. As buddies and teammates at Quaker Valley, playing against each other that day was an unique experience for both of us. One of my most treasured pictures that I have is of Rocky, Rocky's Dad, Domenic, and me, standing together on the IUP football field after that game, we still in our dirty uniforms. Still close buddies even as opponents that day. Funny, I don't remember who took the picture, or who won the game, but the picture of Rocky and me side by side is priceless. Also, a couple of guys only trips to Florida (which was completely and unselfishly sanctioned AND encouraged by the lovely and considerate wives) to spend time with Joe Deramo at his Mother's beach house in Fort Myers. This added greatly to our renewed bonding. Out of those two trips to Florida, we began referring to ourselves as "Uno da Cinque" an Italian phrase meaning each of us was one of five Italian bonded buddies.

Now, one of Uno da Cinque has left us. The sorrow and void that we all feel today will remain inconsolable. Rocky was an important part of all of yours, and our lives, for so many years, and he will continue to be with us in our memories. By example, Rocky showed us how to live our lives with love of family and friends, loyalty, integrity, and an exemplary lifestyle. And now, Rocky has shown us how to pass on to the other side, with the same dignity and love and concern for others, as he demonstrated during his entire life.

Uno da Cinque exists no longer with Rocky now departed, but to his devoted family and multitude of friends, Rocky will always remain a part of our lives. That is his legacy and gift to us all. Thank you, Rocky, for leaving us these treasured memories of a life well lived, but ended too soon. Your beautiful soul and spirit will rest in peace, of that there is no doubt. And so with sadness, but overshadowed by so much love, we now say good bye to you, Rocky........but just for now. See you later, my treasured friend. Al Vaccaro