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AUSTINTOWN -- Rocco Kovacs Sr., 81, of Austintown, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, following a courageous battle with COPD and extending illnesses. Rocco will always be remembered for his big smile, his wonderful stories and jokes and, of course, his love of dancing. He had a way of bringing laughter and joy to those around him and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was born Feb. 11, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Valentine and Pauline Nardulli Kovacs. As a teenager, Rocco moved to Westlake, where he lived with his Aunt June and Uncle Joseph Gregor.
Rocco was a hardworking and entrepreneurial man. He and his wife, Deborah, worked together as partners, being the owner and operator of a small trucking company, and enjoyed buying and renovating homes along with owning rental properties.
He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica.
Throughout his life, Rocco had many passions. He loved entertaining and spending time with family and friends, especially during swimming parties, boating outings, fishing, picnics, and, above all, family holiday gatherings. He had a deep love of music and enjoyed writing poetry and songs.
Rocco also loved racehorses and had a King of Hearst Stable in Florida. Rocco also looked forward to spending his winters in Florida, embracing his life as a snowbird. He was an avid Cleveland Browns and Indians fan.
Left behind to cherish Rocco's memory are the love of his life, his wife, the former Deborah J. Fusillo, whom he married on Oct. 3, 1981; his son, Rocco Jr. (Marilyn) Kovacs; his sister, Julie (John) Perretti; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Schiff and Marlene (Lenny) DePinto; and a brother-in-law, Matthew (Barbara) Fusillo. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who were blessed to share his life.
Besides his parents, Rocco was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Wally (Gail) Kovacs; his sister and brother-in-law, Paula (Manny) Jacobson; his nephews, Michael Jacobson, Paul Scott Jacobson and John Perretti Jr.; and his father and mother-in-law, Joseph C. (Dolores) Fusillo.
Rocco's memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, including the many friends he made throughout every chapter of his life. His laughter, stories, music, dancing and love for those around him will never be forgotten.
Family and friends may pay their respects to Rocco from 10:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.
A prayer service will be held at 12:20 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, 343 Via Mount Carmel, Youngstown, with the Very Rev.Monsignor John Zuraw, J.C.L., V.G., as celebrant.
Rocco's family wishes to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses and care teams that showed compassion throughout the years.
Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, or send condolences to Rocco's family.
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