Joseph A. "Joey" DeRocco, age 52, of 6 Mauser Place, a lifelong Ilion resident, passed away unexpectedly Monday, May 29, 2006, with his loving family by his side at University Medical Center, Syracuse, following a brief illness. Joey was born August 2, 1953, in Ilion, son of Alphonse and Grace (Onorato) DeRocco. He attended Ilion schools and was a graduate of Ilion High School "Class of 1972." Joe enlisted in the U.S. Navy proudly serving from 1972 to 1976, and then as a reservist until 1978. On June 13, 1980, he was united in marriage to Regina A. McCann in Ilion, a special union of 26 years. Joe was employed by Homogenous Metals Corporation for 29 years; currently he was the Pilot Plant Supervisor at the Clayville facility. Joe was a member of the Herkimer County Detachment Marine Corps League. Always a car buff, Joe enjoyed following NASCAR, tending his garden, and found the History Channel fascinating. A true family man and friend he was always willing to put others before himself. Survivors include his beloved mother, Grace DeRocco of Ilion; his wife Regina at home, two sons and daughters-in-law, Jason and Joneane DeRocco of Md., Patrick and Sarra DeRocco of Frankfort; his cherished grandchildren, Joselyn, Joey, Jaylene, Jonathan, and Hannah DeRocco; his brothers, Samuel "Sam" DeRocco of Ilion, and Fred DeRocco of Fla.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Craig Gilker of Ga., and MaryAnn and John Wallace of R.I.; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Patrick and Sharon McCann of N.H., Anthony and MaryEllen Bonvino of Ilion, Russell and Teresa Linthicum of Ilion, Michael and Katherine McCann of Ilion, Robert "Bob" McCann of Ilion, James and Sally Kramas of Nevada, and Daniel and Laura McCann of Ilion. Also several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Joe was predeceased by his father, Alphonse, in 1955, mother-in-law Ann McCann and father-in-law. Family and friends are invited to visitation Thursday June 1, 2006 from 5-8 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Acme Rd. between Ilion and Frankfort. Joe's funeral service will be held Friday, June 2, commencing at 9 a.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, Ilion/Frankfort, and 10 a.m. at the Church of the Annunciation where father Alfred Lammana will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial. Procession to Armory Hill Cemetery for interment with full military honors will follow mass. In lieu of floral offerings please consider memorial contributions in Joe's name to the Herkimer County Detachment Marine Corps League "Holly Days" toy program. Donation envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. All arrangements have been entrusted to John Day of Applegate and Day Funeral Home, Ilion. For directions to the funeral home, click the facilities link above.