Rocco Nalli, Jr., 95, of Hancock Street, Fort Plain, NY, peacefully departed this life on October 27, 2026, at St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam, NY.  Born at his childhood home in Fort Plain on March 6, 1931, Rocco was the cherished son of the late Rocco Nalli (Sr.) and Anna Cellini Nalli.

After graduating from Fort Plain High School, he worked on the railroad until the start of the Korean War, when he volunteered to serve in the US Army.  After his Honorary Discharge from military service, he earned an Associate's Degree at Albany Business College. His professional life then commenced at John Hancock in Amsterdam, before embarking on a fulfilling career at Beech-Nut in Canajoharie, retiring as a Production Planner at 55. Embracing new challenges, Rocco later served as a courier at Central National Bank, Fort Plain, retiring at 65.

A proud veteran, Rocco served overseas during the Korean War as a Private First Class, first in Tokyo with the US Army Band as an accomplished clarinetist, then in the dangerous role of radio operator within North Korea, where he earned several decorations and medals:  The Combat Infantry Badge; The Bronze Service Star; the Korean Service Medal; and the United Nations Service Medal.  Back home, he was also a dedicated member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, where he had begun church service as an altar boy at the then St. James parish.

Rocco found joy in simple pleasures: Wining and dining his large family, with a specialty of making delicious and plentiful Manhattans; Solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku; Playing pitch; Shooting the breeze with his coffee klatsch at McDonald's; Bicycling well into his 80's; and enjoying March in Florida with his beloved Marlene. He was also a proud Italian-American, and a frustrated amateur comedian. His musical talent as clarinetist shone through not only in the US Army Band but also in local concerts at Haslett Park, Fort Plain. His community spirit was evident in his leadership roles with the Fort Plain VFW (Earl Stock Memorial Post #3275), and the Fort Plain American Legion.

On October 19, 1957, Rocco united in marriage with Marlene Utzig at St. Peter and Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Canajoharie, forging a bond that flourished for 69 years. He was predeceased by his brothers Humbert (Julia) and Albert (Melissa), his sister Edith Nalli Morrell, and his brother-in-law Richard Francisco.

Rocco leaves behind his devoted wife, Marlene, and his sons: Dr. Thomas (Joni), Joseph (Elaine), Mark (Lisa Bowman), Dr. Nicholas (Christine), Rocco III (Beatriz “Betsy”), and Vincent (Sherry). He is also survived by his sister Ada Francisco, grandchildren Ryan, Mathew, Isabella, Cassandra, and Santino, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family invites friends to a visitation on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 12:00-1:00 PM at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 PM.  Rocco will be laid to rest at Fort Plain Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Fort Plain Funeral Home.