Leo Rockas, Age 97, died in Greenwich Hospital following a brief illness. He is survived by his daughters Nia and Anastasia, his former sons-in-law Jim and Ted, grandchildren Sophie, Oscar, Theo and Zoe, his nephew Tino (Cindy) and his nieces Maria, Julie and Cindy. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Virginia and his siblings Edna and Constantino and nephew John.
Leo was born and raised in Rochester, NY, but lived for many years in West Simsbury, CT. He also lived in Geneseo, NY, Ossining, NY, Pittsfield, NY and most recently Rye, NY. He received his BA and Masters degrees in English literature from the University of Rochester where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He had a PhD in English literature from the University of Michigan. He wrote many fiction and non-fiction books, plays and literary articles and was a Shakespeare and Jane Austen scholar. He taught English literature including for many years at the University of Hartford. Leo also taught at SUNY Geneseo and Briarcliff College.
He was an avid gardener, baker and cook, and was a vegetarian for most of his life. He belonged to many Greek Orthodox churches where he sang in the choir. He was a US veteran and a Red Cross hero, donating thousands of pints of blood and platelets until the age of 94 in honor of his beloved sister Edna who tragically died as a young mother from leukemia. He lived a long and rich life and was a devoted father and grandfather.
Friends may call Friday, August 21 from 5 to 8 pm at the funeral chapel of Anthony’s Funeral Home (2305 Monroe Avenue Rochester, NY). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 11 am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 962 East Avenue, Rochester, NY. Burial following the service will be at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsfield, NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Red Cross.
