Louis Bocci

Lou (Luigi) Bocci was born April 23, 1932; his homegoing occurred Thursday, September 1st. Lou was firstborn to Lorenzo and Mary Bocci, preceeding the birth of seven siblings: The late Sarah Bocci, the late Theresa Wasco, the late Ida Cirino, the late Milly Gardner, David (Sue) Bocci, Joanne Carr, and Linda Neal.

As firstborn to Italian immigrants, he was his parent's pride and joy! The Bocci family first settled in the "Little Italy" community of Cleveland, Ohio, then later finding residence in the Collinwood area, which was dominated by other Italian immigrants.

Lou evolved into a great student and was determined to excel in whatever he tried to do. He graduated from Collinwood High in 1951. He dropped out of High School for a year finding employment at Murry Mfg. of Ohio, in order to help and assist his parents as they faced challenges in supporting a large family. It proved that Lou was conscientious and hard working.

Soon after he returned to High School and graduated. Lou was determined to seek high learning and was soon accepted into Kent State University. He had to work his way through college! Graduating from KSU in 1956, he earned a Bachelor of Science & Business Administration degree.

Lou also served his country in the Armed Forces and was stationed in Fort Knox, KY, with an honorable discharge from the Army.

Throughout high school, college, and military service, he excelled in the game of baseball and was known as a very talented pitcher and hitter. This was a life-long passion!

News traveled regarding his outstanding baseball performance and successes; eventually leading to a career with the Pittsburg Pirates Buccaneer Farm Team in Class C North Dakota League. His accomplishments in sports are too numerous to mention, but he received many accolades and honors throughout his career! One honor that demands recognition, is his Induction into the Kent State University Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1982.

Unfortunately, Lou's professional baseball career was cut short because of a major shoulder injury. This traumatic event had a negative affect on him and as a result he was forced to surrender to God's divine leading for his life. He went on to establish Omega Sporting Goods Store in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to that, Lou was employed with the General Mills Corporation as a Regional Sales Manager.

Lou was married to the late Barbara Wassick approximately forty years, having one daughter, Adrienne Bocci-DiSanto, and one granddaughter, Macrina Humfeld.

Lou and Barbara eventually moved to San Jose, California and were heavily involved with the Bethel Assembly of God Choir. Lou had a great love for music and served the Church in many ways. Lou's strength was in his Faith.

Presently he is preceded by his late wife, Margaret (Peggy) Selvaggio Bocci. Peggy and Lou were married for 22 years.