Rocco Planeta
June 13, 1967 - July 2, 2026
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Rocco Planeta Obituary
Rocco Planeta, 59, of Dunellen, New Jersey, passed away on July 2, 2026. Born on June 13, 1967, in Favignana, Sicily, Rocco lived a life defined by quiet devotion, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved.
Rocco grew up on the beautiful island of Favignana, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep connection to his Sicilian roots, values he learned from his father, Salvatore Planeta, who predeceased him. He earned his diploma from the Istituto Professionale di Stato per l'Industria e l'Artigianato, completing a rigorous five-year trade school program in mechanics. With that foundation and a dream of building a better life, Rocco made the decision to leave Sicily and come to America. It was the kind of move that said everything about who he was: a man willing to take on whatever challenge lay ahead, not for himself, but for his family.
In the United States, Rocco built a remarkable career in the automotive industry, serving as General Manager at Classic Coach Repairs for over 30 years. His expertise, reliability, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the business. Rocco was the kind of person who could look at any problem, no matter how complicated, and find a solution. He never let anyone see him sweat.
If you asked anyone who knew him, they would tell you that Rocco's greatest work happened at home. He was a devoted husband to Giuseppa and a dedicated father to his sons, Salvatore and Vittorio, and father-in-law to Dottie and Brianna. Rocco wasn't a man of many words. He didn't need to be. He showed his love through action, by showing up, by lending a hand without being asked, and by putting everyone else's needs ahead of his own. That steady, selfless presence was the foundation his family could always count on.
When he wasn't working, Rocco kept himself busy with the things that brought him joy. He loved motocross and the thrill of riding. He enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden with the same patience and care he brought to everything else. He cherished time spent with his family and especially treasured trips back to Sicily to visit loved ones.
Rocco is survived by his beloved wife, Giuseppa Planeta; his sons, Salvatore Planeta and his wife, Dottie, and Vittorio Planeta and his wife, Brianna; his beloved grandchildren, Salvatore, Michael, Mila, Luca, and Sienna; his mother, Marianna Planeta; his sisters, Maria Planeta and Giuseppa Planeta; and his brother, Mariano Planeta.
Rocco always had a plan and believed that doing right by others was the most important thing a person could do. He will be deeply missed by his family and by everyone whose life he touched. May he now rest in eternal peace.
***LIVE-STREAM FUNERAL MASS***