Rocco A Giglio, aka Poppy, 86, of Elkhart, was called home February 8, 2024, after a short illness.  We take peace in knowing he has rejoined his beloved wife, Johanna (Meme) in heaven.

He leaves behind his daughters, Lisa Stawicki, Gina (Jim) Wolff, and Jana Giglio Williams. His grandchildren, Jordan (Brian) Stawicki Nichols, Maddie (Ray) Cheselka, Alicia (Alex) Pilz, Sophie (Noah) Wolff, Nathan Williams, Ben (Sydney) Stawicki, and Vincent (Liv) Williams. And his great grandchildren, Jace and Blake Pilz.  His sister, Lucille Phillipson also survives. He was proud of all.

He moved from Utica NY, to Elkhart, IN in 1961 to pursue music after graduating from Ithaca College and serving in the Army. He was also drafted by the Philly's farm team but chose music instead.  He married the love of his life, Johanna Trivieri, in July 1963 and raised their family in Elkhart. He had a very successful, international career as a jazz musician and in musical research and development, working for CG Conn, Woodwind and Brasswind, Selmer, WT Armstrong, UMI and retired from JJ Babbitt at age 82 over his 60-year career.  He received many awards along the way.

He traveled around the world and played in many bands including The Ice Capades, The Glenn Miller Band, Nancy Wilson, South Bend Symphony, Elkhart Municipal Band, A Cut Above and many more.  Rocco also played for Bob Hope as well as Buddy Morrow.  A founding member of The Jazz Assemblage, he played gigs alongside his daughter, Jana, until October 2023.

He was a man of many talents, earning his private pilot's license, and owning his own business with his wife, giving private music lessons and patenting mouthpieces. He was an avid golfer, hitting a hole in one at Maplecrest Country Club in 2004.  He played in the men's league there until 2023.

He is preceded in death by his parents, António and Lucia (Croce) Giglio, and his brother, Dan.

Visitation for Rocco will be held on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024, from 10 am until 12 pm at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol.  The Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12 noon with Father Bob Van Kampen officiating.  Private burial with military honors will be held in St. Vincent Cemetery.  Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home has been entrusted with the services.  We thank them and Father Bob Van Kampen for their services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Rocco may be made to St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church 411 W. Vistula St. Bristol, IN 46507