Memorial for Michael Rocchetta

1953 – 2026

Photo in memory of Michael Rocchetta

We are sad to report the passing on Monday, August 10th of our dear friend and Vice-President of the CHA Board, Michael Rocchetta. Michael was also the 1st Vice President of the Daly City History Guild.

Michael was a docent and our technical expert. He was a wiz with the computer and the first one we went to with questions and challenges. He had an encyclopedic memory for local history, families and dates, events recent and long past. He was the perfect fit for being a CHA Board member and a valuable museum volunteer. One of his favorite things to do was restoration of artifacts and photographs.

Michael was the 3rd generation of Rocchettas to live in the Colma-Daly City area. He lived in his family’s home just a half block north of the Colma-Daly City border on Hillside Blvd. He attended Colma Elementary and Colma Immediate Schools, Jefferson and Serramonte High Schools, and graduated from Heald College in Electrical Engineering. He worked briefly in electrical engineering and then moved to the State Compensation Insurance Fund and subsequently retired from the Department of Industrial Relations, cumulating a 25-year career with the State of California. Michael enjoyed music and played the organ and keyboards. He was a charter member of the Colma Historical Association and joined the Board in 2011. He was re-elected to the Board at our April 2026 meeting and was sworn in at our July 2026 meeting. Although ill at that time, he made a special effort to attend the meeting and enjoyed being with everyone.

Michael was quiet, smart, and acutely observant. He was both a gentle man and a gentleman – polite, helpful, kind, loyal, and honorable.

We miss Michael terribly, and our hearts go out to his brother Richard and their extended family.

Colma’s town motto is “It’s Great to Be Alive in Colma.” Michael will always be alive in our memories.

With sad hearts,

The CHA Board – Maureen, Richard, and Perky

Your memories of Michael and cards to Richard and Family are welcome.

Colma Historical Association
Attention: Richard Rocchetta
1500 Hillside Blvd.
Colma CA 94014

Or by email cha@colmahistory.com