Joseph Rocky Gugino, age 82, passed away after a long illness on November 5, 2012 at his home in Little River, SC, with his family by his side.
He was born in Brant, NY, the son of the late Frank Gugino and Margaret Carriers.
Joe Rocky owned and operated a fruit and vegetable farm in the Town of Collins for over 50 years with his family.
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Joseph R. Gugino
He was an active member of the Erie County Farm Bureau. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gowanda, NY, and past president of the Collins Library board.
He enjoyed working outdoors, tending his flowers and spending time with family. He will be remembered as a hard worker and a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Dolores, whom he married May 3, 1952; two daughters, JoAnne Gugino of Phoenix, AZ and Cathy Gugino of Little River, SC; three sons, Ralph (Gay) Gugino of Dallas, TX, Frank (Deborah) Gugino of Leon, NY and Joseph Jr. (Terri) Gugino of Gowanda, NY. Also survived by seven grandchildren, Ralph Jr. (Jill), Christopher, Nicole and Alexander Gugino and Julia (Brian) Walsh and Miraya and Indigo Vantino; five great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. Also, a brother Frank (Susan) Gugino of Brant, NY, and one aunt, Lillian R. Gugino of Gowanda, NY. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was predeceased by siblings, Pasquale "Pat" (late Mary) Gugino, Caralyn Gill, stepmother Alice Gugino and stepsister Doris Bley.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 7, 2012 in the Our Lady of Star of the Sea Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Calling hours will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the church. Arrangements are entrusted to the Lee Funeral Home, Little River, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph Church, 26 Erie Ave., Gowanda, NY 14070, or the Collins Public Library, 2341 Main St., Collins, NY 14034.
A memorial service in New York for Joseph Rocky is being planned for the spring.
