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ROCCO G. LANZELLOTTI Rocco arrived to Canada from Abruzzi, Italy in 1951. He was 20 years old and had a total of $100.00 in his pocket. Newly married, he had left his beautiful young bride Maria back home with the intent of bringing her here once he established himself. Rocco worked hard, taking any job available, sometimes working three or four jobs a day. He saved every penny and in 1955 Maria arrived. With his new bride, he continued to work hard and build a life. Rocco worked at Sealy Mattress Co. in the 1960s, then moved on to CP Rail, by now he had three young sons and a home. The 1970s brought him more success, eventually owning Thunderbird Pool Hall on Osborne, then purchasing, at that time, Canada's largest western billiard lounge, Las Vegas Amusement located on Vaughn Street in Winnipeg. It was there he remained till his retirement in 2003. Rocco was a selfless man. He always put his family first. In the early days while he was struggling, he often went without, but his wife and sons never did. Rocco was a giver, not a taker in life. A very independent and proud man that would never accept anything free. Again, always giving, never taking. He earned and saved every dollar he had and was proud of it. On the front lawn of his home in Lindenwoods, he would often exclaim "These hands alone built this for my family!" It was true. Rocco was godfather to many of his friend's children as well. All have fond memories of him. A loving man, devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather. He will be truly missed by many. Rocco leaves to mourn his wife Maria; his sons Alviso (Stevie), Germano and Tony (predeceased); grandchildren Jordan, Jessica, Dorian, and Justin and wife Natalie. Great-grandfather to Luca, uncle to Odessa, Ursula, Francesco and Sylvia; daughter-in-law Donna; brother-in-law and wife, Rocco and Lita. Special thanks to his friend Giuseppe Morganti and Sergio Novelli. Along with many, many other friends too numerous to mention. Mass will be held on Friday, September 25, 2015, 11:00 a.m. with viewing at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Rosary Church, 510 River Ave., Winnipeg. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 23, 2015

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • So sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. I grew up across the street from the Lanzellotti's and spent alot of my youth at their house. Spent hours playing fussball in the basement, playing pool at thunderbird first then las Vegas. Considered them family, Germano is godfather to my daughter. Worked for Rocco at Vegas and at a carwash that he and Germano co-owned. Went to church with the family and basically considered Rocco to be my second father. I'm sorry we lost touch over the last years but I will miss him and my heart goes out to the family. Sincerely Rae Fines - Posted by: Rae Fines (friend ) on: Oct 07, 2015

  • We would like to express our deepest condolences to the Lanzellotti Family. They were wonderful neighbors on Strathcona St. The Ringland Family - Posted by: The Ringland Family (Neighbors) on: Sep 25, 2015

  • Rocco was a special man he gave me a job at my hardest part of my life I just turned 18 I was looking for a life and he gave me one at his pool hall even down the road when I lived on the streets he always made sure I had shelter n food in my belly he was like a father to me lived his hugs always made me smile I'll never forget you Rocco - Posted by: Nicole (Former employee) on: Sep 23, 2015

  • I started working at Las Vegas Amusements right before the name change. Back then it was own by Rocco and his brother-in-law Rocco. Two of the best bosses I have ever had the pleasure of working for. I will never forget that special twinkle in his eye when you asked him if he wanted to play a game of pool. He treated me like family, molded me into the person I am today and I am forever grateful for the memories he would share from "back home". My sincere condolences to his family. We all mourn with you. Rest easy old friend- I will miss your stories and your awesome sense of humor - Posted by: Renee (Former employee) on: Sep 23, 2015

  • We want to express our deepest sympathy to Alvis, Stevie and Dorian. I know Alvis spoke to us a few times about his parents and how concerned he was about their well being. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerly, Kim & Ron - Posted by: Kim & Ron Smith (Friends) on: Sep 23, 2015

  • Rocco has always been a friend of the family, Ermanio and Rocco had a lot of good laughs together until Ermanios passing in 2010 , maiby they will meet again , our deepest condolences to the family - Posted by: Vincenzina Bertone and family (Friend) on: Sep 23, 2015

  • Our sincere condolences to all the family. We enjoyed so many wonderful times with the Lanzellotti clan over many years. And we'll always remember Rocco as a great storyteller with a keen sense of humour. He will be missed. Sincerely, Wendy & Bill - Posted by: Wendy Thurston-Werry & Bill Werry (friends) on: Sep 23, 2015

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