InfoSheet/Obit - Augustino "Rocky" Graziano
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AUGUSTINO GRAZIANO OBITUARY Published by Albany Times Union on Apr. 28, 2022.
BALLSTON LAKE - Augustino "Rocky" Graziano, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center. Rocky was born on March 26, 1930, in Brooklyn, to his parents, Pietro and Carmella (Fasano) Graziano.
Rocky served in the United States Army from 1963 to 1969, attaining the rank of supply sergeant. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal.
It was during his service in the Korean War, stationed in Japan, where he met the love of his life, Kazue Takeda. Married for 73 years, they resided in Connecticut, Maryland, Hawaii, and Albany, before finally settling in Ballston Lake, where they have called home for the past 50 years. For 21 years, Rocky worked as the warehouse manager for Van Patten Builders, the company responsible for building all of the Country Knolls developments; he was proud to live in a home and community that he directly had a hand in building. After finishing his fulfilling career, Rocky reveled in retirement. Every morning for over 40 years, Rocky found great joy in socializing with his friends over coffee at McDonald's on Route 146 in Clifton Park. Rocky was an avid member of the VFW Post #1498, participating in the annual poppy distribution that aided veterans in need. He also always looked forward to representing his post by marching in the Clifton Park Fourth of July parade.
In addition to his active involvement with the VFW, Rocky devoted his free time to making army replica models, many of which were displayed throughout the Capital Region. He had a knack for tinkering with projects around the house, enjoyed building things for others and being outside in his yard, and was always enthusiastic to help a neighbor in need of a hand. Rocky was characterized by his cheerful energy, his warm, contagious smile, and his unique ability to make anyone he encountered laugh. Those lucky enough to know Rocky will remember him for his affectionate, light-hearted, and goofy demeanor. He was known to spontaneously break out into a Frank Sinatra song or start dancing the jitterbug in the kitchen with his wife. His youthful spirit and vitality transcended his age; he frequently insisted, even into his nineties, that he didn't feel a day older than 29.
As a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Rocky was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. Rocky is survived by his devoted wife of 73 years, Kazue (Takeda) Graziano; his loving children, Shirley (Bill) Gibson, Diana Graziano, and Frank (Mary) Graziano; his grandchildren, Jay Fenimore, Sunshine (Ben) Jacobs, Pamela Fraser, Sean (Kelly) McKenna, Joey (Erin) Graziano, Michael (Zachary Schumacher) Graziano, Elizabeth (Austin) Bell, and Anthony Graziano; his great-grandchildren, Jade (Kyle) Smith, Genevieve and Oliver Jacobs, Emily Fraser, Adeline, Elliott, and Colin Graziano; and his siblings, Rosemarie (Lewis) Russo, Pasquale (Carmela) Graziano, Frederick Graziano, and Peter Graziano Jr. A graveside service with military honors was performed on Monday, May 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Rocky's name to the Clifton Park Halfmoon VFW Post #1498, 1605 US Route 9, Halfmoon, NY, 12065. With confidence, the family has placed their trust in the loving care of the Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Augustino's Book of Memories at TownleyWheelerFH.com Click Here.
SGT Graziano was the first Supply Sergeant in Troop D. He served in that capacity from Oct 1963 to Feb 1967.
Bill Hull: Then there was SSG Graziano. Initially he was a bit imposing but I learned from him that he saw his job as to take care of HIS people, that meant the whole unit, every man in it. For us supply clerk it meant that his job was to train us to do his job, to replace him if needed. We learned by rote but were expected to think. I won't say that we broke any 'rules' but we did bend some to accomplish the mission, to get what the unit needed. Maybe that is where I learned the art of 'scrounging'. SSG Graziano prided himself in taking care of the unit and the people in it.
Jim Peterson: I can almost taste that cigar! Oh, how good they were!! Never forget that Supply Sergeant Graziano.
Letter from SGM Arthur E. Schneider, HQ, 3d Sqdn, 4th Cav, welcoming SGT Agustion "Rocky" Graziano to the newly organized Troop D in 1963.
