Lower Chi legend Rocco Gaspari Sr. dies at age of 80
LOWER CHICHESTER >> The Lower Chichester community is mourning the death of Rocco Gaspari, Sr., who died Tuesday at Riddle Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness.
Gaspari, 80, was a lifelong resident of Linwood, a Republican, and served as president of the board of commissioners and Magisterial District Judge. However, he will be most remembered for the abounding love and devotion he had for his family and community.
“My husband was the kindest person you could ever meet,” said Catherine “Kay” Gaspari, his wife of 60 years. “He loved everybody. When he was district judge so many people came back to thank him. He gave everybody a fair chance and always had time for people. The world would certainly be a better place if more people were like him.”
Gaspari was born and raised in Linwood. The youngest of four sons born to the late Rocco and Anna Rapposelli Gaspari, he was educated at Holy Saviour School and Chichester High School.
He married Catherine McGinn in 1960 and the couple raised two sons, Rocco Jr., and Tom, and a daughter, Kathy. They have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Gaspari was elected township commissioner in 1965 and two years later was elected president of the board, a role he held for 26 consecutive years. After retiring, Gaspari Sr. was elected Magisterial District Justice in 1994 and served in that position until 2005.
Over the years, he was involved in many organizations including the Linwood Lodge No. 87, Chapel of Four Chaplains and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge. He was named Man of the Year by the Abruzzi Association and Christopher Columbus Association as well as Man of the Millennium by Lower Chichester Township.
In August 2008, the township dedicated the Rocco Gaspari Sr. Memorial Park on Hewes Avenue, an honor, Gaspari said, that was one of the most special in his life.
“I love Linwood and might be a little prejudiced, but I think this park is one of the nicest in Delaware County,” he said at the time. “We have been living here all our lives and wanted to stay here ... I love this town, I love you people and I hope in some small way I made a difference here.”
His son, Lower Chichester Commissioners President Rocco Gaspari Jr., knows more than most the difference his dad did make in the lives of others.
“My father touched a lot of people,” said Gaspari Jr. “He was my hero and nobody was as lucky as I was to have him as a father, role model, and mentor. His values were based on manners, respect, trust, and love of God and family. He was the best father anyone could ever have.”
Lower Chichester Police Chief Tom Gaspari, who lives next door to his parents, said one of the proudest moments of his life was when his father sworn him in as chief.
“I was incredibly blessed to have such an incredible role model,” Tom Gaspari said. “We all learned so much from him – things that we have passed down to our children, who will pass them on to theirs. What a great gift and legacy my father left us all.”
Former Delaware County Sheriff Joe McGinn, Gaspari’s brother-in-law, credits him with sparking his political career.
“When my wife and I moved to Linwood, Rocky kept on recruiting me,” McGinn said. “He was my mentor and showed me the ropes. He took the time to teach why certain things were done. Rocky was a very honest man and he will be sorely missed. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for you. I am better off for having known him.”
Calling his death “a sad day in Lower Chichester,” township Police Sgt. Larry Moore admired Gaspari greatly.
“Rocco Gaspari Sr. was a great, honorable man who did not have a fake bone in his body,” Moore said. “If he offered a person help, he always followed through. It was an honor to know him and he will be greatly missed.”