Obituary of Anthony Emil Rocha
Anthony (Tony) Emil Rocha passed away peacefully at home in University Park, Florida of natural causes after a full and rewarding life, on June 20th, 2020 during his 100th year, in the presence of his daughters Cezina Rocha and Emmeline Rocha-Sinha and his son-in-law Jagdish Sinha.
Tony is preceded by his wife Livia Barbosa Rocha, his parents Gabriel and Stael (nee Pecus), his brothers Joseph (Nita), Douglas (Ida), Gregory (Tess who is alive), his sisters Dr. Ann Rocha, Emery Dean (Ken) and Teresa (Mark). He is also preceded by his brother-in-law Dr. Louis Proto Barbosa (Alice) and sister-in-laws Eva Carvalho, Teresa Furtado and Dr. Maria Barbosa.
He is survived by his loving daughters Emmeline Rocha-Sinha (Jagdish), Dr. Cezina Rocha and her daughters Serina Lidder and Dr. Alcina Lidder. He is also survived by his youngest sister Magda Fernandes (late Joe).
He will be remembered fondly by his numerous caring nieces and nephews, their spouses and grand nieces and nephews and their spouses.
Tony was born on January 29th, 1921 in Karachi and as a young man lived in Catholic Colony 1 in Karachi. He later resided in India in the cities of Bombay, Agra, Lucknow and New Delhi where he spent several years working in Sales and Marketing for pharmaceutical company, Lederle Cyanamid. While in India, he was active with several Catholic Charities including working personally with Saint Mother Theresa and her organization. He emigrated to the USA in 1987 to join his family in Batavia, western New York and was proud to become an American citizen in 1998. In late 2017 he moved to Florida to live with his daughter Emmeline.
Tony was a charming quintessential gentleman of the old school and a role model to many. He had a zest for life, always ready to socialize, have fun on a dance floor, regale folks with yarns and lived life full-sized with love and laughter, which brought smiles to many faces. He was always young at heart and an inspiration to family and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered and missed by all.
There are no prior visiting hours. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the convenience of his family. He will be entombed in St. Joseph's Mausoleum, Batavia.
