Felice DiCocco

SCHENECTADY – Felice DiCocco, 91, entered into Eternal Rest on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Felice was born in Fontechiari, province of Frosinone, Italy on May 20, 1932, a son of the late Raffaele & Filomena DiCocco. He was educated in Italy and honorably served in the Italian Army. Felice was a devoted hardworking husband and father. In November of 1966 he immigrated to America, with his beloved wife Santina, to make a better life for his family. They settled in Schenectady, with their family and friends and established a home. They were able to bring their young children to America in March 1968. Felice was a self-taught Master Mason and carpenter. He worked for Luigi Serafini Builders helping to build beautiful homes throughout the area. He also crafted stone fireplaces and multiple tile projects for his children’s homes. Felice and his wife Santina were avid gardeners; they farmed several local gardens planting over 16,000 garlic bulbs each season, and various types of tomatoes, vegetables, and their signature item, zucchini flowers, all of which they shared with their family and friends and sold at the Downtown Schenectady Farmers Market, on Thursdays. He reveled at wine making, a craft he perfected in Italy during WWII, making money to support his family. In later years he looked forward to every September, to make wine with his family. He was proud of his wine making and a recipient of many awards for his white wine. Most important to Felice was his family; he taught them his faith, heritage, traditions and strong work ethic. Every Sunday, and holidays without fail, they gathered for dinner. Felice loved to travel back to his homeland and enjoyed more than 20 plus cruises with his family. He was a devoted communicant of St. Anthony’s Church and worked countless years at the annual Festa. Felice was predeceased by his devoted wife of 70 years, Santina DiCarlo DiCocco whom he married on October 15, 1952; a sister, Concetta DiCocco, and brother-in-law, Tommaso Ferri; a brother, Luigi DiCocco and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Maria and Frank Serafini. He is survived by his loving children, Catherine DiCocco (Michael) McGuire, Sr., Luigi (Linda) DiCocco and Anna (Paul) Knapick; adoring grandchildren, Tricia (Mark) Cioni, Michael McGuire, Jr. Katrina (Jason) Olbrycht, Christopher (Megan) Knapick, Bryan (Corinne) Knapick, Dr. Bianca DiCocco, David Knapick, Marina DiCocco, Stella DiCocco, and Anthony Knapick; seven great-grandchildren, Felicia and Sammy Cioni, Jackson and Natalia Olbrycht, Theodore, Lucas, and Olivia Knapick; his special cousin, Maria Serafini, of Paris, France; as well as many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. The DiCocco family is thankful to the staff of Ellis Hospital for the excellent care and the kindness they extended to Felice and his family. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 9-11 am at St. Luke’s Church, 1247 State Street. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Entombment will follow in the DiCocco Family Private Mausoleum at St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Felice in a special way are asked to consider making a memorial contribution in his name to: St. Luke’s, The Daily Food Pantry Bread, 1247 State Street, 12304 or American Italian Heritage Museum, www.americanitalianmuseum.org

Felice DiCocco

May 20, 1932 - January 28, 2024