Roy (Rocky) Nocerini
RONAN - Roy Nocerini, 85, died Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Village Health Care, Missoula, Mont., beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Roy (also called Rocky) was a kind person with an interesting life. His life began in Iron Mountain, Mich., with his parents, Helen and Guido and siblings Ralph, Robert, Peter and Rita.
Roy is preceded in death by Loretta, wife of 51 years, his parents, brothers Robert and Pete and best friend Bill Halloran.
Survivors include his son, Mark Nocerini (Zara Abraham), twin daughters Sean Iranon (George) and Gwen Nocerini; grandchildren Kalani, Derek, Jessica (Jason); great grandchildren Ocean, Bella, Justice Westerfield; and friend for 30 years, Teresa Lapka.
At 15 years old, Roy graduated from Great Falls High School. When World War II started, he joined the Merchant Marines and was hurt when his ship was blown up. After recovery, he spent a number of years, along with his best friend, Bill Halloran, in the construction industry. They helped build a housing development in the Seattle area. Subsequently, he ran the Lazy F. Dude Ranch and the 4-0 Cattle Company.
Then Roy became the janitor of Palouse High School in Washington, where his children attended school. Later in life he accepted a position from Alaska Public Health Services building water towers in many small villages throughout Alaska. The Eskimo people were extremely happy when his job was completed because they were able to have running water in their homes instead of taking buckets to local springs - which was hard work. Rocky was a man of many talents including industrial skill. He also learned to be a pilot and told stories of many interesting places he flew. In 1991, he moved to Ronan where he retired with his family. Roy's memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Polson Library meeting room. Please RSVP by Aug. 17 to Gwen at 676-3434. Please bring your pictures of Rocky.
Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, St. Labre Indian School or Life for the Nations Fellowship.
