Rocco Zappone

We regret to announce the passing of Rocco Zappone on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Mt. Cartier Court in Revelstoke, BC.

Born in Canada to Italian immigrants, Bruno and Caterina Zappone, Rocco was the youngest of five boys. He grew up on a farm in Cloverdale, BC. After high school, he apprenticed in a millwork shop and went on to work for Cloverdale Construction, where he progressed from carpentry to project management.

In 1954, Rocco married Dorothy Dyck, and together they began building their family in Cloverdale, eventually welcoming three children. His work took him throughout British Columbia, sometimes with his family alongside him. In 1962, while working on the construction of the new arena in Revelstoke, Rocco fell in love with the community and the family decided to make it their home. By 1964, he had established his own company, Revelstoke Construction, and the family joined him in Revelstoke.

Over the years, Rocco contributed to many notable construction projects in Revelstoke, while also taking pride in helping residents with smaller jobs. He was always willing to lend a hand to fellow tradespeople and became widely known and respected in the community. Even in “retirement,” Rocco remained active, exploring new ventures as a car salesman, real estate developer, and later
as a project manager with Vic Van Isle construction. He thrived on staying busy and embracing new challenges.

Giving back to the community was central to who Rocco was. He joined the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department at just 18 years old and, after settling in Revelstoke, became a dedicated member of the Revelstoke Fire Department, where he served for more than 40 years. He also contributed his time to committees with BC Hydro for the Revelstoke and Mica dams, the Revelstoke Railway Museum and numerous other projects.

Rocco had a lifelong passion for sports and competition. In his youth, he played baseball and basketball and even tried his hand at boxing. As an adult, he continued playing baseball and became an avid curler and golfer. He was deeply involved in the local curling and golf clubs, serving as president of each on multiple occasions. He also travelled throughout the province, participating in BC Firefighters curling events, many other curling bonspiels and golf tournaments and also competed in golf at the BC Seniors Games. An outdoorsman at heart, Rocco began hunting at a young age and continued taking part in annual excursions with his many hunting buddies well into his senior years.

Rocco was predeceased by his infant son, James, his beloved wife Dorothy, and his brothers Jim, Carl, Bruno and Joe. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kathy (Ross) and Terry (George), grandchildren Ben (Anne), Cara (Mark), Robyn (Josh), Jamie and Murray, great grandchildren, Tanner (Erin) and Rowan, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Rocco was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished family dinners, where he could share stories, enjoy a glass of wine, and entertain everyone with memories from
his rich and full life. He will be deeply missed by all of his family.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Cam MacLeod and the wonderful staff at Mount Cartier Court for their love, care and compassion for Rocco during the 9 years that he
resided there.

A Funeral Celebration will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to the Revelstoke Community Foundation for the Zappone Family Fund.