Rocco (Rocky) Santilli, 97, of Bern Twp., passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in his residence.

Born in Monocacy Pa. on September 16, 1926 to Giuseppe (Joseph) and Theresa Santilli, Rocky attended the West Leesport 3 room school until the 8th grade, transferring to Reading High, Class of 1944. Like many young men at the time of World War II, he opted not to finish his senior year and joined the Navy serving as a radio operator on the USS Juneau.

After coming home, he met and fell in love with Virginia (Ginny) Cramer, the love of his life. They shared 68 years of marriage. He was predeceased by Ginny who passed on November 1, 2018.

His early years he worked for Don Potter as an oil burner mechanic. Later, he and Robert Schaefer started an oil business partnership that lasted several years. They parted ways and Rocky bought an oil business from Ray Wagner and started and ran Santilli Oil Company for 40 plus years.

Rocky was always interested in softball and played for the West Leesport playground team as a catcher. He became the coach of the Rising Sun Hotel Sunners Class AA fastpitch softball team in Reading. Under his leadership, the Sunners went on to win a World Softball Championship in New Zealand along with several national championships.

Rocky also coached the U.S. men's fast pitch team in the Pan American Olympic games. He was inducted into the Berks County Sports Hall of Fame, Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, American Softball Association (ASA) National Hall of Fame, and the International Softball Federation (ISF) Hall of Fame. He compiled a career coaching record of 1,761-522 with the Sunners. In addition, he coached girls' softball at Schuylkill Valley High School for several years. In 2006 he was honored as King of Baseballtown by the Reading Phillies.

Rocky was part of a large family of 8 children. He was predeceased by 5 siblings, Nicholas husband to May Emerich, Ernest husband to Jane Fraunfelter, Frank husband to Mildred Phillips, sister Anna wife of Charles Kauffman, and sister Beatrice wife of Horace Bewley. He is survived by sister Josephine, widow of Charles Trois residing in Berks Heim, and brother John, widower of Shirley Einsel of Shoemakersville.

Rocky was a generous man donating to many causes, especially assisting children with physical and medical issues. Rocky and Ginny had no children, but had many nieces and nephews who they treated like their own.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers for the care and comfort provided to Ginny and Rocky the past several years; Isatu Barrie, Peg, Edith, Nana and especially Matu Carmo who was with him until his passing.

Rocky will be missed by his many friends and family. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 11:00 am from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street Leesport, PA 19533. Burial will follow in Leesport Cemetery. A viewing will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:00 am in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helping Harvest, 117 Morgan Drive Reading, PA 19608 or John Paul II Center for Special Learning, 1092 Welsh Road, Shillington, PA 19607. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com