Samuel 'Rocky' Rico, Sr.

Samuel ‘Rocky’ Rico, Sr., age 94, former resident of New Castle, PA, peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at North Pinellas Care Center in Palm Harbor, FL. He was born in Brent, PA, on May 29, 1930, to the late Albert and Rose (Bucci) Rico. Rocky was preceded in death by his beloved wife Esther (Stone) Rico on July 19, 2012, and his son Samuel Rico, Jr., on December 17, 2013. Rocky dedicated over 40 years of his life to meaningful work, serving as a supervisor at Fenati Brick Yard for 25 years, and later as a manager at Columbus Services until his retirement after 15 years. He was also well known as the lead singer of the locally famous ‘Rocky Rico Combo”, where his passion for music shined brightly. Rocky was also an active member of the Duca Degli Abruzzi Club.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Anthony Schepp, his grandchildren, Michael Palkovitch and Kayla Hedstrom and husband Ryan, and his great-grandchildren, Scarlet Palkovitch and Xander Palkovitch.

In addition to his parents, wife, and son, Rocky was preceded in death by his siblings, Henry Rico, Anthony Rico, Annie Johns, Lucy Nard, Jenny Grego, Nellie Itona, and Elizabeth Houston.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the William F. & Roger M. DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Avenue. A blessing service will follow at 3:00 PM at the William F. DeCarbo Memorial Chapel, with burial at St. Vitus Cemetery.