William Roccia Obituary

William T. Roccia

May 29, 1941 - October 5, 2025

Some men build furniture, some men build careers, some men build everlasting friendships.......William T. Roccia built all this and more....he built an incredible lifetime in which he deeply touched everyone he ever met. Bill passed away on October 5th, 2025, at his beach home in Emerald Isle, NC, another dream he built into reality, with his wife, Sandra Ruth. Bill was born to Henry and Frances Roccia 84 years ago in Philadelphia, PA, and was very proud of his Italian heritage.

Growing up in South Philly, Bill was also an altar boy at St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, and attended Bishop Neumann HS, along with Bobby Rydell. He met his future bride of 62 years, Sandra Rumsey, at the South Jersey Shore, and married in 1963. Bill was the first person in his family to earn a college degree, and was a proud graduate of Villanova University. Upon graduation, Mr. Roccia became an English teacher at Mainland Regional High School in South Jersey. In 1968, he became F.B.I. Special Agent William T. Roccia, and moved to Illinois. With two children in tow (Stephen and Maria), he and Sandra made their final move in 1969 to Toledo, OH, where they had their third child, Deborah.

Bill and Sandie enjoyed traveling, and their favorite destination was Italy, which they visited nine times together. They didn't ignore the rest of the world, as they also vacationed in Spain, Grand Cayman, Germany, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Greece. Once Bill retired from the F.B.I in 1994, an entirely new life began. He became President and CEO of FeeBi's Carpentry, masterfully crafting pieces of furniture for scores of loved ones, Little Flower Church, and tons of fellow Toledoans. He poured his heart and soul into every project, making what he called "labors of love," not just furniture. When not working in his shop, he and Sandie frequently headed to the shore...where they own a home in NC, not more than four houses from the beach. It is truly fitting that this is the place where Bill passed away, as he and Sandie spent their final moments together, toasting one another by the ocean they both loved.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Ruth; and their two children, Stephen (Candi) and Debbie (Ben). He has joined his cherished daughter, Maria, in heaven, where she has been patiently waiting since 2008. Bill is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Austin, Cole and Nick Roccia, Ian and Emma Romaker, and Will and Madelyn Prichard. Bill is also survived by his three sisters, Barbara Cuillo, Marianne Vile (Bud), and Stephanie Stahl. Bill is also survived by 100's in the Society of Former Special Agents of the F.B.I., and many lifelong friends.

While Bill's endearing smile and humor will be greatly missed, his lasting memory will truly be his generosity, humility, and sincerity. Love attracts love, and Bill was a human magnet in that regard. God Bless WTR!

There will be a visitation in the narthex at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5520 Dorr St., Toledo, OH, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a full mass at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The mass will be live-streamed at www.littleflowertoledo.org.

Memorial donations may be made to Little Flower Catholic Church by contacting them at [email protected], or calling (419) 537-6655. Donations may also be made to Habitat for Humanity, at https://mvhabitat.charityproud.org/Donate/.

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