Mr. Tullio "Rock" Roccabruna

Tullio “Rock” Roccabruna, 97, of Pittsfield, known for his daily walks through the city and the many friendships he formed along the way, died peacefully at home on March 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fornace, Italy, on October 4, 1928, the son of Massimo and Rosina Roccabruna. He came to the United States as a young boy speaking only Italian. After a short time living in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, he moved to Pittsfield, where he attended local schools and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1948. He often reminisced about selling shopping bags for a nickel a piece on Ninth Avenue during his time in New York. He served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Salem. Following his military service, he worked at General Electric before fulfilling his lifelong dream of owning his own auto body shop. He and his brother, Albert, operated the Gulf Gas Station on Elm Street in Pittsfield for many years. He later worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier for 27 years, retiring in 1997. Rock married the love of his life, Elaine Barry, on June 16, 1966, and together they built a life centered on family and community. A communicant of St. Agnes Church, Rock was an avid walker who enjoyed daily walks with friends that often ended with coffee and conversation. Over the years he was part of many Pittsfield coffee groups that gathered at Pittsfield Rye Bakery, Duff & Dell’s and more recently at McDonald’s and the Misty Moonlight Diner. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He always had a story to share and enjoyed keeping everyone on their toes with good-natured teasing. One of his favorite sayings was, “If I didn’t give you a hard time, you would think I didn’t like you.” Besides his wife of 59 years, Elaine Roccabruna, he leaves his sons Steve Roccabruna (Laverne) and James Roccabruna (Jennifer); daughters Kelly Arnold, Lori Carnevale (Stephen) and Amy Roccabruna Gamache (Mark); ten grandchildren Todd Roccabruna, David Roccabruna, Megan Arnold Blum, Alison Carnevale, Jeremy Roccabruna, Justin Roccabruna, Kaitlyn Arnold, Jacqueline Roccabruna and Joseph Roccabruna; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Mario and Albert Roccabruna and his grandson Kyle Carnevale. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Tullio will be Saturday, March 21, 2026, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9:30am at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by the Rev. Brian McGrath, Pastor. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours will be Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Dalton, 525 Main Street, Dalton MA 01226. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rock’s memory can be made to St. Agnes Church or HospiceCare in the Berkshires, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Mr. Tullio "Rock" Roccabruna

October 4, 1928 - March 13, 2026