Rocco Fumento

Rocco Fumento, Beloved Professor, Passes Away at 101

Rocco Fumento, formerly of Dalton, MA, passed away peacefully at the age of 101. Rocco was born on February 12, 1923 in North Adams, MA, and was the son of immigrant parents Antonia (Cifrese) and Mauro Fumento.

A World War II veteran, Rocco served his country with honor in the Army's Cavalry in Italy. After the war, he took advantage of the GI bill, and graduated from Columbia University and the University of Iowa. He embarked on an academic career, joining the faculty in the English Department at the University of Illinois, where he taught both Creative Writing and Film. He dedicated over three decades to teaching and mentoring students until his retirement. Rocco was also the author of several books and short stories, as well as numerous articles on film.

Rocco was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tobey (Baer). He is survived by his four sons: David, Michael, Andrew, and Matthew (Pani), and two grandsons, Georgie and Jasper. Additionally, he leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Edward King, Ronald King, Donna Meyer (Paul), Susan McLintock, Jerry Mazzone (Linda), and Ellen Baer. He also leaves his caregivers and friends Jebbeh Scott, Tenneh Woewiyu, Ana Roca, and Jamir Samuels, and all of the wonderful people at PennMed Hospice.

Rocco was one of five siblings, Nancy Sanzi, Rose Metallo, Phyllis King, and Vita Mazzone, who all predeceased him.

A private memorial service will be held to honor Rocco's life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Penn Medicine Hospice in memory of Rocco Fumento. Donations can be made online at Penn Medicine Hospice or mailed to:

Penn Medicine Hospice Friends Fund

Attn: Thomas F. White

3535 Market Street, Suite 750

Philadelphia, PA 19104

For more information on donating, you can contact Thomas F. White at tfwhite@upenn.edu or call 215-898-8846.

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