Leo Rockas passed away Aug. 1, 2026, at age 97 in Greenwich Hospital in Conn. following a brief illness.
He is survived by his daughters Nia and Anastasia, his former sons-in-law, Jim and Ted, his grandchildren, Sophie, Oscar, Theo and Zoe, his nephew Tino (Cindy), and his nieces, Maria, Julie, and Cindy.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Virginia, and his siblings, Edna and Constantino, and his nephew John.
Leo was born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. but lived for many years in West Simsbury, Conn. He also lived in Geneseo, N.Y., Ossining, N.Y., Pittsfield, N.Y and, most recently Rye.
Leo received his B.A. and master’s degrees in English literature from the University of Rochester, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He also earned a PhD in English literature from the University of Michigan.
Leo wrote many fiction and non-fiction books, plays, and literary articles and was a Shakespeare and Jane Austen scholar. He taught English literature for many years at the University of Hartford, as well as at SUNY Geneseo and Briarcliff College.
An avid gardener, baker, and cook, Leo was a vegetarian for most of his life. He belonged to many Greek Orthodox churches, where he sang in the choir. He was a U.S. veteran and a Red Cross hero, donating thousands of pints of blood and platelets until the age of 94 in honor of his beloved sister, Edna, who tragically died as a young mother from leukemia. He lived a long and rich life and was a devoted father and grandfather.
Friends may call Friday, Aug. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral chapel of Anthony’s Funeral Home (2305 Monroe Avenue Rochester, N.Y.). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, 962 East Avenue, Rochester, N.Y. Burial following the service will be at White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsfield, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Red Cross. To share a memory of Leo or send condolences to the family, visit www.anthonychapels.com.
