Rocco Albanese, a longtime Medford resident, passed away peacefully, at his home, on Saturday, February 6, 2016. He was 91.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Nicola and Maria (Mastrullo) Albanese.

Following high school graduation, Rocco served as a custodian with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He retired from the MFA in 1989.

Throughout Rocco's life, he was loyal to his family and friends and enjoyed the time he shared with them. Rocco was a very social person who loved conversation and telling stories. A man of great faith, he was a Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, and an active communicant of St. Leonard's Parish, of Boston's North End. His loyalty extended to the church as he would volunteer on a regular basis for anything they needed. Rocco enjoyed the arts, specifically the theatre. Every Sunday, Rocco would go to see a movie or a play. In his spare time, Rocco enjoyed walking. He would often walk to Boston from Medford. Rocco was also a faithful Red Sox and Patriots fan. He will also be remembered for both his love of sweets and the gift of bargain hunting. Rocco also enjoyed watching the re-run classics such as the Three Stooges and the Rifleman Series. Rocco lived his life with spirit, generosity and sincerity and these traits continue on with his family.

Rocco was the loving brother of Rose Bentivegna and her late husband Vincent of Medford and Dominic Albanese of Hopkinton. He is also survived by fifteen nieces and nephews, as well as his three care givers, Christy Conway of Medford, Jennifer Caruso of Medford and Robin Edwards of Malden. Rocco was preceded in death by his siblings Eupilo and John Albanese, Phyllis Stevens and her late husband Charles, Angeliana Salvati, Laura Hardy and her late husband William.

A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Thursday, February 11th at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Malden.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rocco’s name may be sent to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St #19, Malden, MA 02148 or Community Family, Inc., 121 Washington St, Medford, MA 02155.