Rocco Louis Fumi

Rocco “Rocky” Louis Fumi Sr, 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family members in his home on Friday, April 19, 2024.
 
Rocky was born on Christmas Eve, in 1931, in the home of his aunt and uncle on Oak Street in Youngstown, Ohio.
 
Rocky attended East High School in Youngstown, graduating in 1950 before attending The Ohio State University where he graduated from Ohio State’s School of Pharmacy in 1955.
 
A near fatal car accident brought him to Alliance City Hospital where he met the love of his life, Sylvia (1935-2024), who he always lovingly referred to as “his bride.”
 
After marrying on August 5th, 1961, Rocky and Sylvia made their home in Canfield for the rest of their lives.  There, they raised three children, Rocco Jr., David, and Lynette.
 
Rocky was well known throughout the Youngstown area for his love of Ohio State Football.  From 1967 and for the next 45+ years, Rocky missed only two home games.  He would set up a tailgate tent, offering food and drinks to anyone who would stop by to say hello and discuss Buckeye football.  He often sold tickets to friends and strangers who wanted to experience an Ohio State game.
 
Rocky worked first at Brown’s Drug Store in Canfield with his friend and mentor, George Brown, before opening Buckeye Pharmacy in Canfield with his closest friend Tom McCabe. Rocky worked at Buckeye for over 30 years until his retirement.  Rocky would often receive phone calls after hours from customers in need of medication and he never hesitated to open the store so he could assist those in need.
 
Rocky also had a love of golf, where he joined many leagues during his playing days; and when he was not physically able to play anymore, he briefly worked at Kennsington Golf Club.  He was a founding member of St. Michael Church in Canfield, later becoming a lay minister. He was also a member of St. Michaels’ Men’s Club and the Canfield Kiwanis Club.  In addition, he worked for many years at the Canfield Fair at the sound tower.
 
Rocky also helped create and for many years, managed the Canfield Firecracker 4-Mile Run, which is still held every Fourth of July.  He was an avid runner completing several marathons.
 
But first and foremost was Rocky’s love of family.  He and Sylvia were fortunate to have his parents, three sisters, their spouses, and children who all live in the Youngstown area where they enjoyed birthdays, holidays, and other occasions.  Most special was Christmas Eve, where the Fumi side of the family would meet at Rocky’s parents’ home on Oak St. to enjoy a huge feast, laugh and sing together with all his relatives.
 
Rocky was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Sylvia; parents, Pompeo and Vincenza Canacci Fumi; along with his sister, Virginia “Gigi” Pallante; brothers-in-law, Fred Horvath, Dominic “Dada” Marsco, Richard “Red” Pallante; nephew, Anthony “Skin” Pallante; and niece, Bernadette “Bebe” Marsco.
 
Rocky is survived by his children, Rocco Jr. of Hilliard, David (Rusty) of Upper Arlington, and Lynette of Canfield; grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, and Lauren; sisters, Louise “Lou” Horvath, Anita “Bones” Marsco; brother-in-law, Joseph (Carol) Zelasko of Alliance; nephews, Tom (Kim) Pallante, Fred Horvath (Kelly Becker), Richard (Sandi) Horvath, Anthony (Christine) Horvath, Gregg (Susan) Zelasko, Scott Zelasko; and nieces, Valerie (Bill) Sandora and Nicolette “Nicki” Marsco.
 
The family would like to thank the Ohio Living Hospice group of Fran, Vance, Tammy G., Irene, Pastor Dan T., Keri,  and everyone else on Rocky’s team.
 
The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kathy Jo McPhee and Bonnie McCartney, who helped take care of Rocco with so much love and compassion.  
 
Family and friends will be received Friday, April 26, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home located at 8536 Market Street, Boardman, OH 44512. A funeral service celebrating the lives of both Rocky and Sylvia will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  

All are welcome to join the Fumi family to a luncheon after the funeral service at the Becker Family Center in Boardman.