Rocco Telese
One of East Boston’s last World War II Veterans who championed veteran’s causes
Rocco Telese, one of East Boston’s last World War II veterans, passed away on October 1, 2025 at the age of 100.
Born on May 18, 1925, he was the beloved son of the late Eugene and Assunta Telese and the brother of the late Andrew Telese. He is survived by his cousins Anthony, Donna, John and Linda, along with extended family and many friends who cherished him. He also leaves behind his partner of forty years, Clare O’Dea.
Upon graduation from English High School, Rocco honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He fought with the 85th Infantry Division in Italy earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions on the Gothic Line. Rocco returned to Italy various times erecting monuments for those killed in combat. He was an inspiration for Andrew Biggio’s book ‘The Rifle’ which became a #1 Best-Seller. Rocco’s battlefield returns earned him an Emmy Award for Youtube’s “WWII Vets Return to Italy.”
After the war, he continued his lifelong commitment to service and veterans’ causes. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 30, Life Member of D.A.V. Chapter 10 (Past Commander & Officer of District 1), Life Member of V.F.W. Post 1272, Life Member of the Combat Infantry Association, Life Member of the Custer Battlefield Association, and Member of the Polar Bear Association of WWII.
Family and friends honored Rocco’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Tuesday, October 7th followed by a funeral Mass at St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church. Rocco was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum with full military honors. Donations in Rocco’s memory can be made to “Boston’s Wounded Veterans” and mailed to 60 Paris St. East Boston, MA 02128. For more information please visit www.ruggieromh.com
After the war, to service and veterans’ causes. He was a Life Member of American Legion Post 30, Life Member of D.A.V. Chapter 10 (Past Commander & Officer of District 1), Life Member of V.F.W. Post 6712 Life Member of V.F.W. Post 1272, Life Member of the Combat Infantry Association, Life Member of the Custer Battlefield Association, and Member of the Polar Bear Association of WWII. Family and friends honored Rocco’s life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, East Boston, on Tuesday, October 7th and with a funeral Mass at St. Joseph – St. Lazarus Church. Rocco was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum with full military honors. Donations in Rocco’s memory can be made to “Boston’s Wounded Veterans” and mailed to 60 Paris St. East Boston, MA 02128. For more information please visit www.ruggieromh.com.