Obituary of Rocco Cerminara

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Rocco Cerminara at the age of 80. Rocky was predeceased by his loving wife, Marilyn (2024) and is the proud and loving father, father-in-law and grandfather of Victoria and Magnus Jonsson of London and their children Ryan and Chloe, and Cindy and Sean Hodgins of Sparta and their children Conner (Kathleen), Adam, and Nathan. He was predeceased by his parents Fausto (2009) and Maria (1973) and survived by his sister, Angelina and her husband, Larry Smatana of Niagara Falls. Rocky was born on August 9, 1944, in the small village of Murachi, located in southern Italy. As a youngster he ran barefoot through the narrow cobblestone streets before immigrating to Niagara Falls, Canada in the early 1950s. He was the first in the family to attend university. While at the University of Waterloo (for engineering), Rocky met Marilyn. She, a self-proclaimed pinball hustler and Rocky, who no doubt earned money playing pool, were simply destined. It should be said up until well past retirement the family home sported multiple pool tables, a pinball machine and even a large bar that Rocky built himself. Their home was well suited for the numerous parties they hosted. Rocky retired in 2009 as the City of London's Director of Building Controls and Chief Building Official. He served on several provincial committees as a municipal expert in building code standards and was widely regarded in Ontario as one of the best in his field. Rocky introduced many technological innovations to the City of London's Building Division including the e-permitting program that, at the time, led the way in Ontario. Rocky worked closely with and was highly regarded by local builders and developers. He received the London Homebuilders Lifetime Achievement Award and was honoured as a lifetime member for his contribution to the Association and the housing industry. Rocky was always an early adopter with technology. He fiddled with computers, always had the largest TV available and the latest smartphone (up until the age of 80) and documented all family events with the latest and greatest of equipment. It should also be stated his beloved red corvette might as well have been a third child. In retirement, Rocky committed to his great loves: his grandkids and golf. Summers were spent golfing and attending the kids' summer sports. Winters were divided between Florida with its golf courses and the kids' winter sports for which he had calendar subscriptions on his phone. If he couldn't attend, he would be constantly texting his daughters asking for updates during the games. For the last year of his life, Rocky lived with dementia. It was such a small sliver of his life but it was profound. In that period of time, Marilyn passed away and he spent his last 7 months at Highview Residences for dementia. His home consisted of 13 residents, eleven of which are ladies. He was completely outnumbered. To see him sitting around a large harvest table doing crafts or having hot chocolate at teatime with many, many ladies is something Marilyn would have gotten a kick out of seeing. She also would have enjoyed knowing he helped with baking in the kitchen. No doubt Rocky's help consisted largely of taste testing. Rocky loved to walk through his cottage and the neighbouring one as well. Every day he clocked some serious laps. He remained in good physical condition no doubt in part to all his miles. With this disease, it is never easy experiencing our roles reversed to an unexpected degree. Those who have experienced dementia with a parent know very well how uneasy it can be to see such vulnerability, especially in a parent who appeared so invulnerable and steadfast in his support of family. It is heartbreaking. Plain and simple. Yet, taking care of him, being completely responsible for him was such an immense privilege that we shared. We hope he knows how much he was loved. While a celebration of life will take place at a later date, at Rocky’s request, there will be no visitation or service. Rocky was a constant reassuring presence and he leaves behind a legacy of providing for family and setting an example of strong ethics and dedication to one's responsibilities. His love, wisdom and strength will continue to inspire and guide us.