Brockport: February 4, 2015. Predeceased by his adoring mother, Carole A. Salomone. Rocco is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Kelly (O'Brien) Salomone; three beautiful children, Cecilia Marie, Victoria Frances, Joseph Rocco; his devoted father William K. Salomone; brother teammate, Blase (Tina) children Dominic, Anthony Vincent; brother friend, Frank (Cassie) children Sophia Salvatore; mother-in-law father-in-law, Mary Ellen William F. O'Brien; sister-in-law, Kathy Armella children Jonathan Nathan; sister-in-law, Kim O'Brien; brother-in-law, Kevin O'Brien; many close friends, coaches players. Rocco's visitation will be 12-3 PM 6-8PM on Sunday, and 2-5 PM on Monday at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Ln (between 390 Long Pond Rd). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Tuesday at The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 152 Main St., Brockport, NY. Interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, Rocco Salomone was a humble man whose greatest joy was found in the family he loved more than life itself. A man of honor and integrity, it was easy to see that his life was rooted in something different - something deeper. That something was his unwavering faith. Married to the love of his life, Rocco and his wife Kelly exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be, and the devotion he had to his children was unmatched. The heartbeat of wherever he was, he was vibrant, full of life, and fun-loving with unwavering convictions and beliefs that paved his way to success not only in what he did, but in the extraordinary man he was each and every day. Taken from his loved ones too soon, he will never be forgotten. William and Carole Salomone were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on January 17th, 1965 in Silver Spring, Maryland. He was the oldest of three children in his family and was raised in the family home in nearby Crofton alongside his brothers, Blasé and Frank. Both of his parents instilled within Rocco a strong work ethic. Rocco was left-handed and played guitar, made his own leather boots at a young age, and dressed himself as the brave hunter with his handmade attire. Rocco had a love of reading earl on that lasted his whole life. Before his accomplishments as a coach, Rocco was an enthusiastic and talented football player himself. He simply loved the game and knew he belonged on the football field from the time he brought home the forms for his mom to sign him up for football as a fourth grader. As a well rounded athlete, Rocco was benching 500 pounds in high school and was a first string player as an offensive guard on his high school football team. He was also a fantastic left-handed catcher on the baseball team, only to be turned into a first base player by his coach. Because of his hard work in his strength and agility, Rocco became a center and long snapper in college and was a first string player as a freshman. He also worked during the summers and was recognized for his strong work ethic. Rocco became a Brockport graduate, earning a degree in physical education in 1988. Shortly thereafter, Rocco had tryouts with several teams including the New England Patriots and the New York Giants as well as the Canadian Football League. Rocco spent 25 years working for Brockport, serving as the Golden Eagles head football coach from 1995 to 2012. During that time he became the winningest coach in program history with a record of 103-80-1. Rocco was named the 2002 Northeast Region Coach of the Year, and his teams made four consecutive NCAA playoff appearances from 2000 through 2003. During that 2002 campaign, in which he received regional recognition, his team reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs and was named the ECAC Team of the Year. In 2013 Rocco moved into the role of assistant athletic director at Brockport, a position he held until accepting the defensive coordinator position at Susquehanna University in 2014. In addition to his head coaching responsibilities, Salomone also served as Brockport's defensive coordinator from 1993 to 2009. In 2000 and 2002, the Golden Eagles were the top ranked team in scoring defense among Division III schools, while the 2002 squad led the nation in pass defense. Salomone coached some historic teams during his tenure as his 2000 squad finished with the only unbeaten record in program history. In addition, his 2005 team won the Atlantic Central Football Conference championship and his 2008 Golden Eagles captured the ECAC Northwest title. Over the course of his career, Salomone has coached 20 All-Americans as well as two players who signed with NFL teams. Along with a rewarding career, Rocco was blessed with a beautiful family. He and his wife, Kelly, met while Rocco was working as an assistant coach for her brother's baseball team. When she came to pick up her brother after practice, they began talking to one another, and she later took a weight training class that Rocco was teaching during the fall semester in 1988. He asked her for a date soon after, and the rest is history as they say. Rocco and Kelly were married on June 16, 1990, at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Brockport, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a 24 year love story. Together they welcomed three children into their hearts and home, Cecilia Marie, Victoria Frances, and Joseph Rocco. As a parent Rocco was supportive, kind, and actively involved in the lives of his children. He gave them the roots they needed to become secure in who they are and the wings they needed to pursue the dreams of their heart. Rocco loved the holidays as it was a time to gather with family, and some of his favorite moments were spent on family vacations to Ocean City Maryland, Cape Cod, and Manteo in the Outer Banks last summer. Rocco had dreams of going back to the Outer Banks this summer and of retiring there one day. In addition to the love he had for his family, Rocco was known for his faith. He was a member of The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, and through the years he also attended the Newman Center. Rocco had a close relationship with God and considered both the peaks and the valleys along his life's journey to be part of God's perfect plan for his life. Rocco firmly believed that God abundantly provided the grace he needed, which gave him the strength and courage he clung to throughout his five year illness. Rocco Salomone had an incredible sense of humor, provided guidance and kindness to all both on and off the football field, and had a fun-loving approach to each new day. Most of all he will be missed for his love. He leaves behind a timeless legacy that will remain alive in the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to be within his reach.