PORTLAND – In the comfort of his home and with his loving family at his side, God called Rocco home early Wednesday morning, March 3, 2021 at the age of 88.

He is now united in heaven with his parents, Bernardo and Luisa (Germani) Sbardella; his two brothers, Gaetano and Mario, and his cherished sisters, Domenica and Antonietta.

Born July 14, 1932 in Arce, Italy, he was the youngest of five children. As a young adult, he ventured to Switzerland later joining his sister, Antonietta, in Canada with her family. In Canada he honed his strong work ethic. He traveled to Portland in the late ’50s to visit his aunt and uncle. At church one Sunday morning, he glimpsed the love of his life, Brigida Reali. They married in Portland at St. Peter’s Church on Federal Street on Feb. 11, 1961.

Over the years, Rocco worked tirelessly to provide for his young family. He worked as a mason and carpenter. In the ’70s, he worked with his brothers-in-law, Dominic and Frank Reali at the original Amato’s on India Street in Portland. Together they grew the business, eventually partnering with them to open the second Amato’s on Washington Avenue in Portland. Rocco was very proud of the quality and service at the store. He always greeted customers with a friendly smile and was loved and respected by his employees.

He was a proud member of the St. Peter’s parish community for the past 60 years becoming a member of the Holy Name Society. He immersed himself in the church community volunteering countless hours of service. He looked forward every year to the annual Saint Rocco’s Bazaar which took place in August.

Later in life he developed a passion for golf, joining the Construction League where he nurtured close and lasting friendships. Through the league he had the opportunity to travel with friends and family creating many fond memories. After years of devoted service and prosperity, he retired to enjoy sunny days playing golf, nights playing bocce at the Italian Heritage Center, and spent time showering his family with love and attention.

Rocco took great pride in his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Brigida (Reali) Sbardella; and their children and spouses, Maria and Joe Guimond of Portland, Celesta and Scott Walker of Basking Ridge, N.J., Bernard and Cari Sbardella of Westbrook, and Gina and Jeff Charest of Portland. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Derek and his fiancé Nicole, Monique, Adam, Rocco, Luisa, Rachel, Michael, Gianna, and Brad. He will be dearly missed by many nieces and nephews in Canada, Italy, and here at home with all of whom he nurtured strong and lasting bonds.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 7 at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. All COVID guidelines will be followed and masks will be required at all times.

Due to COVID restrictions, a private funeral mass will take place at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Portland on Monday, March 8 with a private burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland. Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Rocco’s guest book. To view the Mass livestream, visit https://www.facebook.com/jonesrichbarnes.

The family would like to thank the people from Northern Lights Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care and support, especially the devoted nurses who provided comfort to Rocco and his family.

In lieu of flowers in memory of Rocco, donations can be made to:

Shriners Hospital for Children

https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/