Rocco Q. Lopardo, 90

MEREDITH — Mr. Rocco Q. Lopardo, age 90, of Meredith, formerly of Washington Township, New Jersey died peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2015.

Rocco was born in Bronx, New York on October 14, 1924 to parents Angelo and Michelina Lopardo. Rocco was predeceased by his one brother, John and three sisters Sarafina, Mary and Antoinette.

Rocco attended James Monroe High School in Bronx, N.Y. where his soccer team won the New York City championship in 1942. He was very proud of the gold medal received for this accomplishment. Rocco attributed his safe return from World War II because of being in great shape from playing soccer. Rocco continued to stay physically active his entire life including downhill skiing into his mid-eighties. He also won numerous medals in the 100 and 200 meter races in the Senior Olympics.

Rocco was a WWII veteran. He attended the US Army Air Corp aviation program at Gettysburg College and subsequently was assigned to independent duty in India in support of the Burma campaign during WWII. Upon returning home from the war he was a shipping clerk with the Nestle Company in New York City and also attended New York University. Rocco was hired by Grand Union Supermarkets in 1952 and was assistant director of warehousing. He was also the traffic manager for Triple-S Blue Stamps and was named president of the Private Carriers Conference of Washington D.C. He also served as president of the American Trucking Association. In 1972 he was promoted in the Grand Union Company to Vice President of Warehousing and Trucking from a position he would eventually retire.

Rocco loved music, dancing, singing happy birthday to family members and friends, singing Taps at various ceremonies, and marching in the Memorial Day and Veteran Day Parades. He also enjoyed cutting and stacking wood, burning bonfires, riding on the back of his son Tom's Harley and participating in bible studies. Rocco faithfully served as chaplain of the VFW Post in Washington Township, New Jersey for over 10 years. Rocco was most passionate about cheering for the Ashland and Gilford High School athletic teams. He was a faithful fan for over 30 years and was known by many as "Coach's Dad", which was printed on the back of his Gilford t-shirt.

Rocco was an energetic, friendly, caring, helpful and generous man. He touched the lives of many people with his positive spirit. Rocco is survived by his children John Lopardo and wife Donna of Virginia Beach, Tom Lopardo and wife Grace of Gilford, Joan Forge and husband Rick Forge of Moultonborough and his granddaughter Sara Dupont and husband Kevin of Sanbornton and his two great grandchildren Alison and James.

Rocco's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the residents and staff at Meredith Bay Colony Club and to the caring staff at Lakes Region General Hospital.

A celebration of Rocco's life will be held this summer.