Rocco R. Falotico, Maj. USAF Ret.

Rocco "Rock" began his life in Portland Or., November 16, 1933; born to Nicholas M Falotico and Allie Iola Peggy Bentley. He was the first of three sons and one daughter. His life started in SW Portland but soon the family moved to the SE side of the city where he spent the rest of his childhood. He attended Creston grade school, which burned down during his tenure there eliciting the comment "every school kids dream", and went on to Benson Polytechnic where he studied aviation. During his high school years he was involved in many organizations and activities; Boy Scouts of America, Civil Air Patrol, Order of DeMolay and Westminster Fellowship at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Benson in 1951.
Rock met his future wife Jean L Walker as children in Sunday school. During his senior year of high school, Rock decided to enlist in the Air Force and he asked Jean to accompany him to the recruiting center where upon the recruiter inquired if his "girlfriend" would like to enlist too? The answer was "No. I'm not his Girlfriend". His service in the Korean War changed that; they were happily married for 61 years.
After serving in Korea, Rock was commissioned through the Air Force Cadet Program at Harlingen AFB, TX. His first assignment was at the brand new Air Force Academy, Lowery AFB, Denver, Co., as an Air Training Officer for the first class of Cadets. He spent the rest of his military service in 3 major commands of the Air Force; MATS/MAC, SAC – 40th Bomb Wing, and TAC - 15th TRS. His Air Force career made it possible for his family to live in 9 states and three years on Okinawa at Kadena, AFB.
During his early years in the Air Force he took classes in his spare time from several colleges around the Country until he had enough credits to apply for the Air Force Bootstrap program which enabled him to attend Park College in Mo. (He soon discovered that the McCormick Distillery was just a nice ride away) earning his Bachelor Degree. Eventually he earned a Masters Degree from Oregon State University and was a Doctoral Candidate at Portland State University. While at OSU, two of his sons were enrolled also causing confusion with 3 "R" Falotico's being registered for classes at the same time.
Rock retired from the Air Force at the ripe old age of 37 ½ years at Mt Home AFB, ID and went to work for the Boy Scouts of America as an Executive for 7 years. The Seven Rivers district covered Ontario, OR where he and his family built their home and all three sons graduated from Ontario High School. Many happy summer weeks were spent at Scout camps in the McCall, ID area. While in Ontario, Rock helped establish a Sister City relationship with Sayama, Japan and the start of a Japanese Garden in Ontario. His interest also led him to become active in a political party in Malheur County.
For medical reasons and a desire to continue his education, Rock and Jean moved back to the Willamette Valley originally Corvallis and then Beaverton OR. After establishing their home in Wilsonville in 1988, Rock and Jean became volunteers at Champoeg State Park. Both became Oregon Garden Founders in Silverton, OR. Rock served as founding chairman of the French Prairie Home Owners Association in Charbonneau.
Rock had many pastimes and hobbies throughout his life. His love of history and nature were passed on to all of his sons. He was an avid reader, enjoyed working crossword and Sudoku puzzles, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing Scrabble and Bridge and carving drift wood found on the Beach. His favorite retreats were the Columbia Gorge and the shores of the Pacific. Above all else, Rock loved spending time with his family!
Rock's father saw early in his son's life that Rocco would make a great teacher. Toward the end of his working years Rock found much satisfaction and enjoyment as a tutor for Canby and Wilsonville/West Linn School Districts.
Rocco "Rock" Falotico is survived by his wife Jean, son Rocco A and wife Catherine, daughters in law Yolanda and Lynndi. He was pre deceased by his two sons Robert N and Russel J Falotico and by his two younger brothers Joseph and Michael. He is also survived by his granddaughter Courtney and husband George Zamudio, grandson Rocco A "Roccy" and wife Rachel, grandson Tony and wife McKenzie, granddaughters Makaela , Kiley and great granddaughter Kiera, sister Suzanne and husband William Rother, sisters in law Gloria Sheridan and Georgann Falotico, brother in law Norman R Walker and wife Kathleen, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In the wee small hours of June 3rd, Rock took off on his last flight after a very full life, landing in Heaven to be with his two sons. It was Jean's joy and good fortune to have been his 'Co-Pilot' on his journey through life."

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thankfulness to French Prairie Nursing Center in Woodburn, especially Chaplain David Fowler, for all Rock's excellent care, to the St. Vincent Hospital for care and guidance and especially to the people of Providence Hospice and the program of gratitude for veterans.
A service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday August 6, 2015, in Willamette National Cemetery. Please be present at 10:30 am. A Celebration of Life will follow in Wilsonville OR, for directions email rocco.falotico@hotmail.com or call 971-708-8048. Remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Providence Hospice.