Obituary of John "Hogan" G. Facciolo

John "Hogan" G. Facciolo, 91, of Rome, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Rome Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side. He was born in Rome, NY, on June 24, 1926, son of the late Nicholas and Theresa Scicchitano Facciolo. John enlisted in the U.S. Navy just shy of his eighteenth birthday. He served during World War II as a gunner on a Merchant Marine Ship. John received the European Theatre Medal, American Theatre Medal and WWII Victory Medal.

At twenty- two, he fulfilled his boyhood dream of becoming a boxer. John won The Golden Gloves Middleweight Championship, fought at Madison Square Garden, on the same card as Jake LaMotta (Raging Bull). They both won that night. John turned his boxing gloves in when he married his sweetheart, Frances Aversa, on November 25, 1950. She passed away, August 19, 2005. Together with his wife Frances they owned and operated The Neighborhood Beauty Shop, where he was a hairstylist and electrologist for forty years. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church. His ultimate win in life was the love his family brought him. People gravitated to him to listen and laugh at his many stories of inspiration and words of wisdom. John was witty, had charisma and enjoyed a good debate. He always remained a humble man. John loved to play Bocce and was a member of the Toccolana Club, where he mentored many. For thirteen years after the death of his wife, John filled both roles as father and mother to his two daughters. Together they shared a special bond like no other. He was blessed with ninety one wonderful years. We will always remember his precious words "I've done it all."

Surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law; Karen and John Coccagnia, Kathy and Frank Russell all of Rome, a grandson, John Michael Coccagnia, and his girlfriend, Norma Mundo and her daughter Jalynn, New York City, a step-granddaughter, Kimberly Coccagnia and her boyfriend, Barry Donovan, Beacon, NY. Also surviving is a sister-in-law, Tina Facciolo, Syracuse, a brother-in-law, Ralph Rossi, Rome, and many cherished nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Amber. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, four sisters; Mary Pugliese, Pauline Ritchie, Gloria Rice, and Priscilla Rossi, two brothers; Anthony Facciolo and Nicholas Facciolo.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. Richard Sullivan for taking care of him for many years, the V.A. nurses, and the outstanding staff at Rome Memorial Hospital. His daughters would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Mohammed Seedat for the compassion and kind words that helped us through this difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., at the church prior to the Funeral Mass. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Humane Society of Rome, Inc., P. O. Box 4572, Rome, NY 13442.

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com