Rocco Daniel Pugliese, of Fishkill, NY and a former long-time resident of Marlboro, NY, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 after a brief illness.

Son of the late Vincent and Angela (Carella) Pugliese, he was born in Queens, NY on May 3, 1944. Rocco received his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University and a master's degree from the University of Connecticut.

For 30 years, he worked as a chemist for Texaco Research Facility in Glenham, NY until his retirement in 1998. He then went on to work for Atlantic Product Services in Carteret, NJ.

Rocco was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed fly fishing and gardening. He loved tennis, both as a dedicated player and fan of the sport. He was a gifted handyman who lent his skills to his family and friends. For 20 years, he enjoyed spending time at his vacation residence in Bucerias, Mexico. He'll be remembered for his kindness, gentle nature and ever-present smile. Above all, however, he truly adored being a family man and spending time with his loved ones.

He is cherished by his loving wife of 60 years, Carmela Sparta' whom he married on June 6, 1965 in Queens, NY.

Rocco is lovingly remembered by his five children and their spouses: Kenneth & Alma Pugliese of Brookfield, CT, Christine & John Lambrosa of Bluffton, SC, Cynthia & Lance Ashworth of Fishkill, NY, Vivian & Michael Nania of Hardeeville, SC, and Robert & Julia Pugliese of Bala Cynwyd, PA; his grandchildren: Dyllan Pugliese, Arianna Pugliese, Blake Pugliese, John Lambrosa, Jr. & his wife Kristin, Alexandra Lambrosa & her fiancé Andrew Polito, Danielle Ashworth & her fiancé Alec Gerson, Julia Ashworth, Michael Nania, Jr., Nicholas Nania, Andrew Nania, Elliana Pugliese, Coralyn Pugliese, and Ottavia Pugliese; his brother, Vincent Pugliese & his wife Carleen; in addition to several nieces and nephews along with their families.

Rocco was predeceased by his parents and his granddaughter, Angel Marie Nania.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am on Friday, December 26 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 Willow Street, Beacon, NY. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 5468 Route 9W, Newburgh, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Junior Tennis Foundation ( www.juniortennisfoundation.org ).

Arrangements are under the direction of McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill, NY. For online tributes, visit www.mchoulfuneralhome.com .