Rocco Prestia

Rocco Prestia of Hingham, a most respected and beloved man, passed away March 4, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was 78.

An only child, Rocco was born in Marina di Gioiosia, Italy, on May 29, 1937. At the age of 9, a close family friend took him under his wing after the sudden death of his father. It was then that his life long career began as a barber. At age 11, he attempted his first haircut by standing on a box so he could cut his grandfather’s hair. By 14, customers were requesting that “the kid” cut their hair. On October 5, 1955, at age 18, he immigrated to Somerville, MA with his beloved mother, Maria. He did not speak English, but with his comb and scissors in hand, and the help of another family friend, he found work at a shop in Harvard Square. There began his legendary career as a Master Barber, thirst for knowledge, and love and admiration for Harvard University. He returned to Italy in 1960 to wed his bride of 56 years. In 1970, he moved his family to Hingham, MA and proudly opened Rocco’s Barber Shop in Scituate Harbor. He spent more than 45 years building lasting relationships with customers, and became known as a Scituate icon.  He was an avid fan of all sports, but most passionate about his Inter Milan Italian soccer team. He enjoyed cooking, making wine, and spending time with family and friends.

Rocco was the beloved husband of Teresa (Fazzolari) Prestia. Loving father of Maria and husband Domenic Qualtieri, Vickie and husband Salvatore Micelotta, all of Weymouth, and Tommaso Prestia and wife Melina of Peabody. Cherished “Nonno” of Lee, Dom, Jessica, Nicolas, Rocco, Ariana, and Vincenzo.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Tuesday 4-9 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital). Relatives and friends will gather in the funeral home at 9 AM on Wednesday prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, 147 North St., Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham.