Obituary of Barbara E. Della Rocco

BARBARA E. DELLA ROCCO

LATHAM - Barbara E. (Spallane) Della Rocco, 83 of Albany and formerly Latham, beloved wife of the late Joseph E. Della Rocco, Sr passed away suddenly on Friday, June 30, 2023 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

Born in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Bertha (Drozd) Spallane.

As a young woman, Barbara graduated from St. Anne Institute in Albany (Class of 1957) and then began her career with the NY Telephone Company. Barbara met the love of her life Joseph in March of 1963. They got married 6 months later in September 1963 and were together for 54 years. Barbara left the workforce in 1964 after the birth of her first child and dedicated her life to her family. She rejoined the workforce in 1989, as a clerk, employed by the NYS Department of Labor until her retirement in 2017. Barbara was known for her strong work ethic and found great fulfillment in her job with New York State. She enjoyed bird watching with a particular fondness for cardinals, shopping, word searches, and traveling to Colorado. She was also an avid NY Yankees fan; she enjoyed watching and attending games.

Barbara also enjoyed spending time with her three (fur) grandpups Cooper, Louie, and Charlie. Her family will always cherish her cooking, especially her sauce and meatballs, which were unmatched. Pizza Friday was a tradition born from Barbara, carried on by her children, but she most loved it when the family joined in to make pizza with her. Being a Nana to her four granddaughters meant the world to Barbara, she never missed a school event or milestone. Barbara had a special way of making the friends and coworkers she loved feel like family. A beloved mother and Nana, Barbara will be missed and eternally cherished by her family and all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her late husband Joe, and her parents, Barbara is predeceased by her siblings Frank (Chi-Chi) Spallane and Mary Belcastro.

She is survived by her four children: Joseph E. (Judi) Della Rocco Jr, Paul (Anne) Della Rocco, Andrew (Arleen) Della Rocco, and Denise (Josh Haskins) Della Rocco, four grandchildren: Victoria and Stephanie Della Rocco and Stella and Giada Haskins, brother Walter (Rosemary) Spallane, brother-in-law Joe Belcastro, many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend calling hours on Monday, July 10th, 2023 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. A prayer service will conclude the visitation. Interment will follow at Saratoga National Cemetery at 1:30 pm.

Barbara's family wishes to extend a special thank you to Elderwood Village in Latham. Barbara spent her last 6 months in their assisted living facility. The nursing staff, headed by Nedra, was amazing and all of the nurses were caring and helpful. They all treated their mom like family and they were confident that she was receiving the best 24/7 care available. Also, thanks to Kristina, Kelly and the administrative staff.

Memorial donations may be made to the Latham Fire Department, 226 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, NY 12110.

To leave a message of condolence, order flowers, or for further information please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.