Rocco “Rocky” Brienzo, of Maynard and a former longtime resident of Lynn, died peacefully Jan. 30, 2026 at his home. He was 106 years old. He was the beloved husband of the late Marguerite H. (Sindoni) Brienzo to whom he was married 75 years at the time of her passing in 2017.
Rocky was born in 1919 in East Boston. He was one of 12 children. His parents were Italian immigrants who settled in Boston in 1912 and moved the family to Lynn in the spring of 1929, just before the Great Depression. Rocky met Marguerite “Marge” at a dance in 1940 and he immediately knew that he had met the love of his life. Rocky served in the Navy during World War II and joined the Lynn Fire Department in 1949. He served as a firefighter for 15 years and retired in 1980 as the master mechanic for the Lynn Fire Department. Rocky and Marge lived in Lynn for over 60 years, eventually moving to Summerhill Glen in Maynard. After Marge’s passing, Rocky moved to Camellia Gardens in Maynard, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He spent many happy hours at the Acton Senior Center.
Rocky was a true light in the world, blessing his family, friends, and everyone he met with his kindness and gentle wisdom. He greeted everyone with a smile and his sparkling blue eyes. Cherished family memories include summers in New Hampshire, bingo, epic shopping trips with Marge, and the most delicious homemade meatballs, pasta, and baked treats. When asked if he had any secrets for a long and fulfilling life, Rocky would say that he believed his faith and resilience kept him going.
“If you live your faith, you don’t have to worry about anything. You can enjoy life and even hardships. Life has its ups and downs, and the downs are just another part of your life. Just keep going and do what your life demands. Cherish everything. Life is beautiful, it’s definitely beautiful.” -Rocky in 2024.
Rocky leaves behind his beloved children Eric Brienzo and his wife Luby of Las Vegas, NV, Maryanne Allard and her late husband Hank of Acton, and Terri Goodridge and her husband Rick LeBlanc of Methuen. He also leaves his cherished sister Mary D’Arcangelo; loving grandchildren Victoria DeLuna, Vivian DeLuna, Elizabeth DeLuna, Christine Muramoto, Brian Allard, Sarah Clark, Claire Allard, Laura Goodridge, Richard LeBlanc Jr., Stephen LeBlanc, Matthew LeBlanc, Jenelle LeBlanc; 11 adoring great grandchildren: Brandon, Brittney, Peyton, Haley, Zander, Jacob, Landon, Samira, Owen, Maverick, and Trevor; along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents James and Mary, 10 of his 11 siblings, and his grandson Eric Goodridge.
Visiting hours were held on February 6 at the Acton Funeral Home and the funeral Mass was celebrated February 7 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Acton. Burial services are to be held privately at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lynn, MA at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Rocco’s name to: Boston Carmel, 61 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Boston, MA 02119. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com.
