Congrats & Blessings, Dr. Rocco

In recognition of an amazing milestone and a life of generosity to the Church and beyond, congratulations and many blessings to Dr. Emma (nee Scogna) Rocco on her centenary, to be celebrated on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

Born in 1925 and raised in Monaca, Emma’s lifelong connection with St. John the Baptist Church began as a parishioner.  In 1948, Emma started a remarkable tenure as organist, soloist and choir director for the then Parish of St. John the Baptist, Monaca, upon the approval of Fr. Carlo Rossini, then Chairman of the Diocesan Music Commission for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.  For over six decades, she enriched the parish's spiritual life through her musical gifts as its Director of Music, retiring from the position in 2010. Her commitment to sacred music, excellence as an accompanist, and her ability to inspire and lead both choir and congregation in sacred song throughout the years made a tremendous contribution to her beloved parish community.  For a period of time, she simultaneously was also organist and shared choir director responsibilities with her husband, Valentino (Val, also an accomplished educator and musician), at the then Christ the Divine Teacher Parish in Chippewa Township.  Emma and Val were wed in 1952 in the Church of St. John the Baptist in Monaca and blessed with three sons.  After 66 years of marriage, Val was called to God in 2018.

Dr. Rocco holds a Bachelor of Science in music education and piano performance (Class of 1946), Master of Fine Arts in music theory and composition from Duquesne University, and a Doctorate in ethnomusicology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Her teaching career encompassed positions held at Duquesne University, the Monaca Public Schools, and Penn State University – Beaver as an Associate Professor of Music beginning in 1967 until her retirement as well as training hundreds of piano students over the decades.  Starting in 1977, she directed musical theater productions at Penn State that also involved members of the surrounding community and led to the creation of an endowed scholarship bearing her name.  She has authored a number of music-related publications and been a member of numerous professional organizations, including the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

Emma Rocco's contributions as a musician, educator, and woman of faith have enriched the lives of countless individuals.  Her dedication to education, to her craft, and to generously sharing her musical talents has made her a cherished member of the Church, on both a local and diocesan level.

Thank you, Emma, and God bless you.  As your special day approaches, happy 100th birthday from the Parish of Mary, Queen of Saints.