Obituary of Joseph Francis Rocha

After a long, spirited and sometimes difficult battle with cancer and its many complications, Joseph F. Rocha unexpectedly died peacefully at home in Hollister, California on November 5, 2018 at the age of 81.

Born October 11, 1937 in San Francisco, California to Joseph Fernando and Dorothy Rocha.   Joe graduated from James Lick High School in San Jose, CA, attended San Jose City College and served his country in the US Army.    After a long and successful career in retail sales and service in San Jose, Eureka and Santa Clara, California, he retired to Hollister in 1999.

On Army leave in 1963, during a “blind” date arranged by Joe’s sister and her husband’s friend, Bill Filice, Joe met the love of his life, Ann Filice.  Married on February 1, 1964 at Sacred Heart Church in San Jose. Their marriage is an inspiration to their families.  The rose Joe presented on their first date survives to this day.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Fernando and Dorothy Rocha and sister Judith Biesen. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 54 years, Ann Rocha; his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren Michael Rocha, Christina Ching, Claire Rocha, Andrew Rocha and Grace Rocha of Hillsborough, California; his son, daughter-in-law and grandchild Don, Diane and Christopher Rocha of Gilroy, California; and his sister Karen Sanguinetti of Aptos, California.

A kind humble man with an easy smile, Joe enjoyed a good hearty laugh.  He loved to fish, garden, woodwork and golf with friends.   He had an appetite the size of his heart.   Our family invites friends and family to share a photo, story or anecdote on this site.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, November 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Tres Pinos. Followed by military honors provided by Local VFW Post 9242 and a reception.