Youngstown - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Casimir Church, 149 Jefferson St., Youngstown, with the Rev. John Keehner officiating, preceded by a 9:00 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Rocco "Rocky" Chirchiglia, 79, of Youngstown, who passed away from an apparent heart attack early Monday morning, February 14, 2011. Rocky will always be remembered and loved for his big smile, true friendship, humbleness, kindness, and compassion to all whom he met. He had a great love for the Mahoning Valley and its people along with being very proud of his Italian Heritage. Rocky would always go the extra mile for anyone in need if he was your friend you had a true friend. Rocky was born March 31, 1931 in Youngstown the son of Joseph and Rose (Pizzata) Chirchiglia and was a lifelong area resident. Rocky attended South High School, and at the age of 12 was playing guitar and at the age of 16 he was giving lessons and teaching guitar to others. Rocky owned and operated Chirchiglia's Music Shop in Ravenna for 25 years and was the current owner of Chirchiglia's House of Music on Mahoning Ave. in Austintown for over 30 years. He was the band leader for The Rocky Chirchiglia Band who played at countless outdoor festivals, weddings, concerts and other events. Rocky had a true passion for all music and teaching guitar lesions where he has touched numerous lives of children. He did recordings for many school bands for years. Rocky was a member of the Legends of Leather, the Musicians Union Youngstown Local 86-242, the Warren Musicians Local 118 and St. Casimir Church, its Altar and Rosary Society and was an usher for many years. Rocky received an award from Tony Trolio and Cia Productions for his musical achievements, advancements and celebration of his Italian Heritage and was also the recipient of the Zill Family Award. Rocky was nominated for a Grammy Award from his 1994 album "Italian Favorites" which he recorded at Peppermint Studios in Youngstown. Rocky leaves behind to hold to his memory his wife of over 55 years the former Virginia Lotarski whom he married May 14, 1955, four sisters-in-law Dorothy Mika of Youngstown, Matilda Airhart of Girard, Joane (Ledo) Ross of Westerville, and Connie Chirchiglia of Youngstown. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Nellie Gonzeles, two brothers Dominic and Anthony Chirchiglia, and a sister-in-law Irene Sandusky. Friends may call on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown. Friends may view this obituary and send condolences to Rocky's family by visiting www.rossisantuccifh.com. Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home Dedicated To Your Loved Ones