Rocco Scali, 78, was born on April 21, 1939, on the island of Pantelleria, Italy. He then moved with his family to Roccella Ionica, Calabria at the age of 6, where he remained until the age of 19 when he and his family migrated to America. He immediately found work as a barber in Brooklyn. Rocco, better known as "Rocky the Barber" to his many customers and as "Silvano" to his family, became an icon at "The Cutting Den" in Brooklyn Heights, owned by long-time friend Thomas LaMarca, and continued to work there for over 50 years. One of Rocky's more notable clients was actor/writer Truman Capote.
Although Rocky's wife Mary, daughters AnnMarie and Lisa, brother Frank and sister Maria all pleaded with him to retire, Rocky was not ready. His response was always, "What am I going to do - stay home?"
Other than spoiling his grandchildren, Rocky loved to tend to his vegetable garden, especially his tomato and string bean plants. He also was a great cook and enjoyed cooking for his family, clients and friends. Rocky passed away on November 26, 2017, at Mount Sinai Hospital after a short illness. He was surrounded by family.