Rocco Dettore, 93, of Eatontown, died Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the Jersey Shore Center in Eatontown.

He was born in Scranton and raised in Clarks Summit, PA before moving to NJ in 1945.

Rocco enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1941 and was very proud of his time serving our country as a sergeant during World War II. He was assigned to the Flame Throwers and Demolition Platoon, 2nd Marine Division, 18th Battalion. Rocco participated in action against the enemy at Tarawa Atoll, Saipan and Tinian and Okinawa. He was wounded in action on the Island of Saipan. Rocco received the Certificate of Satisfaction, Presidential Unit Citations, Good Conduct Medal and the Purple Heart.

Following an honorable discharge, he moved to Union, NJ in 1945. Rocco attended the Essex County Vocational and Technical Institute in the automotive field. In 1948, he went to work for General Motors Buick Division where he became Director of Service Operations for Newark Buick and retired in 1983 after 35 years of service.

Rocco was a talented bowler and golfer; he played in many tournaments in his younger years. He was a sports enthusiast and derived great pleasure in watching baseball and football.

Rocco was a wonderful father. He loved being with family and friends. He was courageous, gentle and caring and will be missed by all who knew him.

Rocco was predeceased by his parents, Janette and Philip Dettore; his sister, Mary Chier; his brother, Jim Dettore; his first wife, Virginia Dettore and his second wife, Irene Dettore.

Surviving are his daughter, Carol Lynn Matlack and her husband John; brothers, Philip Dettore and his wife Lois, Sam Dettore and his wife Ruth; sister, Joanne Bower; step-daughter, Marlene MacDonald and he is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his memorial service at 1 pm Sunday, August 31 at the Lawrence Young Funeral Home, 418 South State Street in Clarks Summit, PA. Flowers will be accepted or donations in his memory may be made to your favorite charity. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.