James A. Rocchi, 77, died June 11, 2023, at his home after a prolonged illness.
Jim was born and raised in Glastonbury, Conn., to Italian immigrants Claudia “Dina” Malvicini and Santiago “Charlie” Rocchi on Aug. 4, 1945.
Jim spent the early half of his working life in the restaurant business. Having been trained as a chef at the Culinary Institute of America, he spent 25 years in the restaurant business where he opened four restaurants in Connecticut: The Casa Loma, The Rendezvous, The Rusty Nail and The Windsor House.
Jim later took ownership of Glastonbury Hardware and Glastonbury Water Systems, where he worked until his retirement in 2010.
Upon retirement, Jim and his wife relocated to Alpine Lake Resort in Terra Alta to be closer to his children. In retirement, he was active in the East Preston Lions Club and spent much of his time working with the Alpine Lake Property Owners in various capacities.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Rocchi. He is survived by his wife, Sally (Leffingwell) Rocchi, his sister, Mary Ann Pontillo, his children, Joanne Watson (Jack) and Deanna Thomas (Jim), and his five grandchildren, Matt, Alex, Sean, Katie and Michael.
A memorial celebration and reception will be held at the Alpine Lake Resort Boat House from 4-7 p.m. on June 30. Friends and family are invited to attend and share in celebrating Jim and his profound influence on family and friends in the community.
