Rocco Joseph Pape, 71, of Buffalo Grove, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. He lived a life defined by hard work, curiosity, and deep devotion to his family. Rocco is survived by his loving wife, Tracy, née Horan; his caring children, Anthony Pape and Ryan (Brad) Hucker; and his lively grandchildren, Bruce and Margot Hucker, who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his loyal dog, Harry, whom he adored; his brother, Jimmy (Donna) Pape; his sister, Donna Kamysz; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Antoinette Pape; his sister, Josie Anderson; and his nephew, Christopher Anderson. A provider at heart, Rocco was an auto mechanic who loved cars and the satisfaction of honest work. A true jack of all trades, he had a natural ability to understand how things worked – often by taking them apart and rebuilding them. His curiosity fueled many lifelong passions, including classic car restoration, gardening, koi ponds, reupholstering furniture, and restoring an old camper that became part of many cherished camping trips. If something was broken, Rocco saw possibility, not a problem. Above all else, Rocco was devoted to his family. Even while battling multiple forms of cancer for nearly a decade, he never lost his determination or will to keep going, driven by love, responsibility, and resilience. Rocco will be remembered for his strong hands, tireless work ethic, love of learning, and the quiet ways he showed his devotion – by fixing, building, restoring, and always showing up. His legacy lives on in the lives he supported, the things he built, and the example he set of perseverance and love. Memorial Visitation Sunday, February 8, 2026 from 12pm to 3pm with a eulogy sharing service at 2:30pm at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave (2 blocks south of Dundee Road) Wheeling. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Rocco may do so in a way that feels meaningful – by supporting vocational education, cancer support services, or animal rescues, or by simply carrying forward his spirit of hard work, curiosity, and care for others. For further information please call 847-537-6600 or funerals.pro