Rocco Logiodice

Rocco Thomas Logiodice, 82, died peacefully on June 10, 2025 in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Rocco was born to Rocco and Lucille Logiodice on November 21, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Elmwood Park neighborhood of Chicago and spoke fondly of his memories there, including walking to the grocery store with his father to enjoy a chocolate malt. He lovingly remembered his beloved mother’s handmade Grotto for Our Lady, how she canned vegetables from her own greenhouse, and instilled into him a mindset of determination and hard work. Rocco was the oldest of three children and though his father died at an early age, Rocco and his sisters, JoAnn and Ellen, were surrounded by a loving family; most significantly his Aunt Ange, whom he adored. Rocco played sports as a child and developed a deep love for baseball that stayed with him his entire life.

He attended St. Cyprian Grade School and graduated from Elmwood Park High School in 1960, where he was awarded a scholarship from the Grand-Harlem Kiwanians for his academics and school citizenship. Following graduation he attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Upon graduation, Rocco pursued a number of avenues in both sales and accounting, looking for the niche that would allow him to excel in the field of business.

On September 21, 1975 he married the love of his life, Marie Vornsand and took on the role of father for her two sons, Ray and Kenny. They made their home in Indiana and in 1977 welcomed the youngest of the family, Dominic. As a family, they traveled, enjoyed sports and shared a closeness bound together in love and faith. Following a few moves, the family settled in Duncan, Oklahoma and eventually Oklahoma City.

In the mid 80’s, Rocco’s steadfast search for achievement came with the formation of a manufacturing company, Central Expanded Metal. Always in search of new customers, any family vacation would have to include rolls of payphone quarters to stay in contact with the business. Rocco was committed to the success of CEM not just for his own sake but to create a legacy for his children. As a family owned and operated business, it is now in the second generation of owners, which gave Rocco immense pride.

Rocco was known for his tenacity, his determination, his stories, his Catholic faith, as an alumni of Notre Dame but most importantly his deep love and dedication to supporting his family. He was the Rock for his wife of 49 years, with an unwavering commitment of devotion to love and honor her. He was the relentless pillar for his sons, pushing but supportive to whatever goal they were directed toward. He was a lifelong friend to many, continuing to keep up with others and always asking about their lives. He will be remembered for his love of classic toys and trains, his favorite way to make malts and hotdogs (extra onions), his cup of coffee with a splash of milk, his leather jackets, his love of Chicago, the way his face lit up when you mentioned his wife, his tinkering, and all his amazing life stories. He will be incredibly missed.

Rocco is survived by his sons, Ray Klechka, Kenny Klechka (Sherry), and Dominic Logiodice (Kate). His grandchildren, London Lau (Morgan), Sophie Klechka, Lois Klechka, Easton Logiodice, Nico Logiodice and Nellie Logiodice. His sisters JoAnn Logiodice, Ellen (Jerry) Vernon

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Logiodice, and his parents Rocco Sr. and Lucille.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Touchmark, most especially in the memory care unit, and Brian Huff who worked passionately with Rocco in the last months of his life. We are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in Rocco's name be sent to Catholic Charities of Oklahoma.

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