Joseph Paul Roccapriore's Obituary
Joseph Paul Roccapriore, 92, previously from Fairfax, VA, passed away on August 22, 2017. He was born June 22, 1925, in Middletown, CT, to the late Vitaliano Sebastian and Josephine Amato Roccapriore.
Joe was a veteran of the United States Army serving in World War II. He enlisted into the Army on September 30, 1943 and was Honorably Discharged on March 1, 1946. He was assigned to Company A 50th Engineer Battalion. Among the awards he earned were the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, The Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars.
He was a devout Roman Catholic and Parishioner of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Culpeper and previously of the Cathedral of St. Thomas More of Arlington, VA. He was an Electronic Technician and owner of the Potomac Radio and TV Company, on S. Edgewood St., Arlington, VA for 25 years. As an Electronic Technician, he was employed at George Mason University for 14 years, repairing electronic equipment and as a Lock Smith, maintaining and distributing keys to students and staff.
Joe was the President of the Blue Army of Fatima, within the Diocese of Arlington VA and in 1989, became a member of the Ambassadors of Mary, encouraging prayers to Our Lady of Fatima, including the Rosary and the Enthronement of the Family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Silver City, Council No. 2, Meriden, CT for 50 years. For 39 years Joe was also a Secular Franciscan of the St. Thomas More Fraternity and a 25 years member of the George Washington Lodge # 2038, Order of Sons of Italy in America.
He was an avid Barbershopper singer for 40 years. Joe and his brothers formed a quartet known as The Jolly Rocks, singing for many years. He then joined Blue Ridge Barbershoppers Chorus in Warrenton, VA. Joe served as their President for a period and was also named Barbershopper of the Year.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Julia Marie “Ginger” Roccapriore; two sons, Mark John and Jeffrey Paul; two daughters, Elizabeth Barrington and her husband, Kevin and Peggy Young and her husband, Gavin; his brothers, Gerard, Dr. Richard and Vito; one sister, Sr. Marie; nine grandchildren; one great grandson; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins within the Roccapriore family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank and Victor.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, VA.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood Catholic Church with Father Mark Moretti and Father Philip Majka officiating.
Interment will follow in Culpeper National Cemetery with military honors provided by Culpeper VFW Post 2524.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911, Catholic Charities, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 506, Arlington, VA 22203, &/or America Needs Fatima, PO Box 341, Hanover, PA 17331.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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