Rocco Defelice

Rocco De Felice, 85, passed away on August 21, 2019 in his home in Schertz, Texas, from complications associated with Colon Cancer.

Rocco married Harriet on March 2, 1957, at Perrin AFB in Sherman, Texas. They have four sons, Rocco, Vincent (Nick), Steven and Dominic (Tony) and three daughters-in-law, Karen, Melinda and Maureen. There are nine grandchildren, Amanda, Rocco, Patrick, Nicco, Rocco, Steffanie (Andi), Kristin, Jessica and Christopher and one great grandchild, Cole.  Rocco is preceded in passing by his parents; his sister, Laurajean; daughter-in-law, Karen, and grandson, Patrick.

Rocco was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 4, 1934, to Nicola and Mary DeFelice. He attended public schools and then graduated from St Joseph’s College in 1955 with a degree in Political Science and received his commission in the United States Air Force.  As a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF, Rocco went on to flight school and earned his pilot wings in 1956. During his time in the USAF, he flew many aircraft, including the F-86, T-33 and T-39, but he had a love affair with the T-38 and the A-1 Skyraider.

During his time serving his country, Rocco was stationed in Texas, Florida, The Philippines, South Carolina and Thailand. While stationed at Randolph AFB, he was the T-38 Squadron Operations Officer during Operation Homecoming, the flying requalification for returning pilots who were held as POWs upon their return from Vietnam. Rocco’s numerous awards and commendations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He was a Vietnam veteran and retired from the USAF after serving 28 years.

Rocco’s support and love for flying continued in other ways.  He was instrumental in the formation of the A-1 Skyraider Association, and as a member of the Order of Daedalians, he served as the Assistant Adjutant and Adjutant.

Rocco will be missed by his family and the many friends he has made throughout his life.

A visitation will be held Sunday, September 08, 2019 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00PM in the Schertz Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be conducted Monday, September 09, 2019 at 11:30AM at the Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Schertz, Texas. Interment will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:15PM

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

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