Rochelle Blanco

YOUNGSTOWN — Rochelle “Rocky” Blanco, 89, who was lovingly known as “Rocky” to those closest to her, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.

Rochelle was born Oct. 30, 1936, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Joseph and Regina Glick Schodd. She attended East High School and was a lifelong area resident.

At the age of 16, Rochelle met the love of her life, Frank G. Blanco. After he took her on a motorcycle ride, she knew she would one day marry him — and she did, on May 7, 1955. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage until his passing Nov. 24, 2018, building a life centered on love, family and devotion.

Rochelle was an incredible cook, known especially for her homemade wedding soup, pumpkin pie, kolachi, dippy eggs and her beloved “drippas,” the tiny pancakes her family cherished. She dedicated many years as a cook at Hayes Middle School and The Rayen School, where she took great pride in nourishing others with the same care she showed her family at home. A woman of faith, Rochelle was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church.

She enjoyed cheering on her Cleveland Indians, feeding hummingbirds, relaxing in her recliner with her beloved dog, Mollee, and giving the very best back scratches to her grandchildren. Above all, Rochelle’s greatest joy was her family, whom she loved deeply and unconditionally.

In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Frank G. Blanco, Rochelle was preceded in death by her son, Robert Blanco; and her brothers, Tom Waltz and Rich Dixon.

Rochelle leaves to cherish her memory her loving children, Phil (Sue) Blanco, Chris (Ashley) Blanco and Donna (John) Bockla; her sister, Linda (Rick) Durham; her sister-in-law, Linda Dixon; her cherished grandchildren, Kim Porter, Angela (Jerrod) Lyon, Ronnie (Emma), Owen, Conner, Nicholas, Jack, Grace and Alex; and her great-grandchildren, Colton, Declan, Evan and Camryn, who were truly the light of her life.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, St. Matthias Church.

Interment will take place at Lake Park Cemetery, where Rochelle will be laid to rest beside her husband.

The family extends a special thank you to the nurses and staff of St. Elizabeth Hospital ER for their kindness and compassionate care.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home in Youngstown.