THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 22, 2022 Page 13 BOOK | FROM PAGE 2 America.” The “Girl Who Woke Up in the Morgue” is based on a true story that happened to Rocco’s out-of-state colleague. The victim was so sedated and nonresponsive that she was declared dead by the medical examiner, which, according to Rocco, is unusual, as the victim would normally have been rushed to a hospital and had undergone sophisticated testing. “Around the late 90s-early 2000s, I noticed that I was burying three to four overdoses a year. The siblings and parents were stunned and didn’t know their kids had a drug problem,” remembered Rocco. “They might have had a sports injury or depression, and were put on a drug. Within two months, they were stealing from their parents; within three, they’re dead.” Rocco served for over 40 years as a third-generation funeral director at Salvatore & Sons Funeral Home, in Everett, where he grew up near Encore Boston Harbor casino. He taught at the mortuary school of Saint Ida College, Newton, and was the co-director of its National Center for Death Education from 1992-2018. Rocco has written an educational book for funeral service students about interpersonal skill development and another about conflict resolution in the court system. He is in the process of publishing his third novel, “Mystery of the Mausoleum.” “The Ecstasy of Pupusas” and “The Girl Who Woke Up in the Morgue” can be purchased online at www.Amazon.com and www.BarnesAndNoble.com. Rocco hopes to hold a book signing or reading for seniors in Everett, or a book club. “I think readers will enjoy the character development, good or bad. One of my characters is a narcissist with no sense of empathy. You learn how that person sees the world,” Rocco pointed out. “I think you’re able to see my heroines grow as people.” Rocco and his wife, Lidia, have four children, and three grandchildren. The energetic retiree exercises daily, lifting weights and walking along Breakheart Reservation and Revere Beach. He also enjoys golf and horse racing. Union Job Opportunities Info Session July 26th 525 William F. McClellan Hwy, Boston, MA 02128 6-8pm Join us from 6 to 8 pm in the Suffolk Downs Club House to learn about the redevelopment of Suffolk Downs, how to get into a trade, and all the upcoming available opportunities for our community to get involved. The info session will include representatives from unions and current subcontractors on site at Suffolk Downs. Pre-registration is optional. Walk-ins are welcomed. atsuffolkdowns.com
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