This past Tuesday (Dec. 12) marked the one-year anniversary of the passing of Rocco (Mr. Rocco) Pauletti, the former well-known lead custodian at South Elementary. Staff and administration at South had a commemorative plaque made in “Mr. Rocco’s” honor and, ironically, that piece arrived at South exactly a year after his passing, according to South Principal Doreen Oelke.
The plaque, purchased through memorial funds raised by South staff, will eventually be placed in the hallway between the main part of the building and the South gymnasium, where Mr. Rocco would greet students each school day during his time at South. That hallway has become affectionately known as Rocco’s Way.
“We are so excited to honor Rocco with this custom-made plaque and it will be a great addition to Rocco’s Way,” Principal Oelke said. “In addition to the plaque, plans are in the works for a special nook area in our library which will also be a wonderful tribute to him.”
(ABOVE) This wooden plaque, created in honor of the late Rocco “Mr. Rocco” Pauletti, the popular South Elementary lead custodian who passed away about a year ago, will be installed in the hallway between the main building and the South gym. That area has become known affectionately as “Rocco’s Way.”
(BELOW) The archway near where the late Mr. Rocco would greet South students each school day is labeled as Rocco's Way.
