Jack Rocca was born to Ben and Margaurite Rocca in Gilroy, CA. He remained in Gilroy his entire life where he worked and raised his family. He attended Gilroy High School and San Jose State University. While attending school, he was active in sports and was the first Gilroy athlete to letter in four sports in one year. He was inducted into the Gilroy High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
Jack was married to his high school sweetheart, Doris Sanders [deceased July 9, 1994], for over 55 years. Together they raised three children, Judy, Steve and Barbara. He was the grandfather of seven grandsons and eight great-grandsons, with the ninth due in December.
Jack served in the Navy during World War II and was a proud member and Past Commander of the American Legion Post 669. He worked for 40 years for the California State Department of Employment. He served for many years as the Farm Labor Supervisor for the five surrounding counties and completed his tenure as manager of the local employment office. He retired in 1977.
Jack was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish, hunt and play golf. His most memorable fishing trip was in celebration of his 80th birthday which he was able to share with his son, sons-in-law and all his grandsons. Jack also never met a dog that he did not love. Training and hunting with his Labrador Retrievers was an important and enjoyable part of his life.
In 1994 Jack married his long-time family friend, Vernie Cowardin. They shared 14 happy years together.
Jack was a devoted friend, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be missed by those who survive him: wife, Vernie Rocca; children, Judy and Larry Clink; Steve and Marilyn Rocca; and Barbara and Jim Ahlin; his grandchildren, Greg and Courtney Clink, David and Magdalena Clink, Michael and Tracy Rocca, Brian and Rianne Rocca, Timothy and Julianne Ahlin, Stephen Ahlin and Mark Ahlin; and his eight great-grandsons, Justin, Tyler, Ryan, Evan and Logan Clink, Leonardo, Dylan and Mitchell Rocca. He is also survived by his step-children, Joe and Ralette Blaettler, Vicki and Don Woodside and their families.
Private services will be held. Donations can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children- Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95817.
