Obituary of Rocco DiGeso Gillott

Rocco DiGeso Gillott, 66, of Centre Hall, passed away Friday, October 30, 2015, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, KY. Rocco was on vacation in Kentucky for a hunting trip when he suffered from a fatal aortic dissection. Born November 16, 1948, in Lock Haven, he was the son of the late Frank Anthony and Philomena DiGeso Gillott. On July 24, 1971 he married Kathleen Elizabeth Zawacki, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Brian Michael Gillott and his wife, Alison, of Greenwich, CT and Christopher David Gillott and his wife, Stephanie, of Alexandria, VA; one brother Francis Gillott and his wife, Debra, of Mifflinburg, PA; two sisters, Rosann Pelleschi and her husband Gene, of Williamsport, PA and Christine Kinley, and her husband Barry, of Norman, OK; and five grandchildren, Miles, Claire, Ellie, David, and Alicia. Rocco was a 1966 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Lock Haven, PA. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University. He served faithfully in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Specialist Fifth Class. Rocco was a Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Life Underwriter for Wienken Wealth Management. He was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, State College. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Independent Catholic Foundation for The Diocese of Altoona-Johnston. Rocco was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family above all else. In his spare time, Rocco was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:30 p.m., on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy., State College, with Father Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to John Ritter Research Program in Aortic and Vascular Diseases (JRRP) at UT Health (www.johnritterresearchprogram.org) or State College Pregnancy Resource Clinic (www.scprc.com). The JRRP conducts research to prevent aortic dissection and the SCPRC honors Rocco’s commitment to the sanctity of life. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.