Rocco A. Papandrea

Rocco A. Papandrea, 68, of Vandalia, MI, died Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at
6:00 pm at Valley View Healthcare Center in Elkhart. He was born November 16, 1942 in Elkhart to Joseph and Josephine (Pugliese) Papandrea.

He is survived by his mother, Josephine Papandrea Araneo; a sister Elaine (Jack) Swartz; and a brother Steve Papandrea, all of Elkhart; nephews Rocco Papandrea II and Steve Papandrea, Jr.; and a niece Stephanie Grimes.

Rocco was retired president of North American Aqua Co., Inc. of Vandalia. He was an avid fisherman and environmentalist. He loved nature and art, and enjoyed painting. He was a member of ASPCA and a member of Green Peace. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1960, attended Compton College of Arts, and earned his associate’s degree from Southwestern Michigan College in environmental science. He served in the US Army in Vietnam.

Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, with a vigil service at 7:30 pm, at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home at Cobblestone Crossing, Elkhart. Friends may also visit one-half hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial Friday at 12:30 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Father Bill Sullivan will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery with military honors rendered by the US Army and DAV #19.

Memorials may be given to the Salvation Army or Faith Mission. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.