Rocky William Simonetti
Rocky William Simonetti, 78, of Weyers Cave, passed away unexpectedly early Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023 at Augusta Health in the company of family.
Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, John Rocco and Marguerite (Tankesley) Simonetti; his beloved wife of 56 years, Brenda Sue (Runion) Simonetti; two infant daughters (one at birth and one at 11 days – Cynthia Louise); and brothers-in-law, Lawrence Sheets and David Arbogast.
Surviving are his four children and nineteen grandchildren, Ellie Wright (Nathan, Justin and Rebecca Zullig), Christopher and Victoria Simonetti (Caroline, Devon and Vincent Simonetti), Stephen and Lili Simonetti (Michael Simonetti; Kathleen, Daniel, David, Anna, Jane, Emma, Maggie and Rosemary Molinari), Eric and Julie Salemi (Hailey Salemi, Cullen and Adam and Olivia Miller) and several great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marylene Sheets and family; special friends, Lewis Ratliff and family; Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1962; and countless special cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, fellow employees and business colleagues.
Rocky was born in Staunton, Virginia on November 25, 1944, the oldest of four children. Surviving are sister, Tammy Arbogast, brother, Tony and his wife, Tilly, and brother, Ricky and their families.
He loved his family well! Family included more than his biological kin. He drew special people into his fold and took care of them too. Christmas was his favorite time of year because he enjoyed filling the living room with gifts, but his generosity was evident throughout the year. Part of his legacy is the example he set to help wherever he could. A need for food, money for groceries, a new baby, a new diagnosis of illness or support for those in whom he believed are just some of the examples that prompted him to give. True joy for him came when he could make a difference to someone’s situation. “The Lord blessed me, I can pass it on” was taught often, in words and deeds.
He loved working. His business began with nothing, but through tenacity and hard work, it became successful. He still worked full time until the Saturday before he died. He loved a good deal, but because of his generous nature, he enjoyed creating a good deal for someone else even more. More times than can be counted, he would call people that he bought from and offer more money than he had originally paid. Overflowing excitement for the business was present until the end.
When he relaxed, he enjoyed fishing and playing games. He built an environment at the lake to welcome friends and family and to share his love for fishing. He spent some of his favorite recent times on the boat where he would get extremely excited to pull in a big striper! With the help of his guide friends, many shared a boat and an early morning ride to find “the” fish. He was just as happy for others pulling in the big catch as he was when it was his pole that dipped into the water. When he was inside, his “luck” at the skill games was almost unbelievable. His excitement was contagious. He loved making friends and playing as a team so that everyone around won.
His passing was unexpected. Most people thought he’d work until 100, retire for 6 months and go back to work. He was blessed to love what he did. Life will be somewhat void without his presence. He will be missed!!!
Rest in the Arms of Jesus, full of peace and fully healed. A precious Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Friend and Colleague … a precious Son of the Father!
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35
A funeral service will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, 1871 Boyers Road, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801 on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Family will receive friends following the service.
A private burial will be held at Thornrose Cemetery on Monday, October 16, 2023.
A Celebration of Life to gather friends and family will be held on April 7, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Weyers Cave Community Center in Weyers Cave, Virginia 24486.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy House, Inc., P.O. Box 1478, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22803 or 65 Roses Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Avenue, Suite 1100, North Bethesda, Maryland 20814 OR to help a neighbor in need, tip someone who is serving you or put some extra money in the offering plate at church. Share Rocky’s legacy by blessing others and you will be blessed!
Special thanks to all family, friends, employees, colleagues and customers who supported Rocky in his business ventures and his life. Please know that he truly appreciated EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!!
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.
