Frank Rocco Memorial Scholarship

Frank Rocco, 69, of Winona went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Frank was born Feb. 6, 1939, in Pittsburgh to Antonio and Anna (Talarico) Rocco. On Dec. 14, 1963, he married Joyce White in Lincoln, Neb. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Clarion, Pa.; master’s degree from Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass.; Ph.D. from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.; and post doctoral work at the University of Minnesota. Frank’s employment of his youth included stock boy, hod carrier, paper delivery and lifeguard. His professional employment began with teaching in the field of visual impairment at the Society of St. Vincent De Paul and Sumner High School of St. Louis. He was superintendent at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, Vinton, Iowa, for three years. Since 1972, he had been a professor at Winona State University in the Special Education Department. In May 2007, he retired as professor emeritus. Visiting professorships were fulfilled at the University of Hawaii, Tianshui Teachers College, Peoples Republic of China and in American Samoa. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Church, Winona, and the Winona Hims. He had been serving on boards with the Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota, Rochester, Minn.; Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School Alumni and Clarion University of Pennsylvania Alumni. Frank lived his life passionately, especially in loving his family, helping his friends, teaching and mentoring his students, singing and trusting his God. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; three daughters.

Frank touched so many of us during his 35 years at WSU. His commitment to students and WSU was obvious to all. He touched, inspired and left his mark on thousands of students during his time with us.

Scholarship contact is Joyce Rocco (wife of Frank).