Rocco R. Buonassisi

Rocco "Rocky" R. Buonassisi of Valhalla N.Y. passed away peacefully on June 4, 2026. He recently celebrated his 97th birthday with his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, godfather, uncle and friend to so many and will be deeply missed.

Rocco was a triplet who was born in White Plains NY on May 30, 1929 to Biagio and Grace (Aquilino) Buonassisi. Unfortunately, the sister did not survive the birth, but he shared a close relationship with his predeceased brother Joseph (Norma) Buonassisi.

Rocco graduated from White Plains High School and cherished his long lasting childhood friendships. As a young adult he played softball in the Mt. Pleasant league and spent countless hours maintaining the Pat Henry little league field in Valhalla. He was committed to being a part of his community.

He served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953 and was stationed at Ft Bragg.

He worked for Charles Stotz Inc. in Valhalla for 63 years as an auto and truck mechanic, and as a school bus driver. He also served as a commissioner for the Valhalla Fire Department for 35 years. His life long passion was automobiles, including owning a 1937 Packard and 1966 Mustang. At one time he and his son had built a dune buggy together.

He was married to his sweetheart Edith (Cormack) for nearly 60 years, who predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Studer (Kenny) and son Joseph (Debbie). He has six grandchildren; Diane Varnell, Jeff Studer, Joseph, Katie Velardo, Kimberly and Keri Velardo and ten great grandchildren who he received the greatest joy from. He had a relationship with each one of them and played a big role in their lives. He had many nieces and nephews whom he loved and enjoyed seeing.

He was the kind of man who could make you laugh until your stomach hurt, work circles around people half his age and help someone without expecting anything in return. He taught us all well that kindness doesn't have to be loud, generosity doesn't have to be announced, and that a good sense of humor and a whole lot of patience can get you through just about anything. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Rosary Hill Home 600 Linda Ave. Hawthorne, NY 10532 or to the Alzheimer's Association 290 Westchester Ave., Suite 306 Purchase, NY 10577