Death of Mr Rocca, January 1963

Mr A.J.  Rocca R.I.P., 1963

Great sadness befell the school when it was announced that Mr Ambrose Rocca had died suddenly on Saturday, 26th January 1963, at his home in Alkrington Road, Middleton. Aged 52, he left a wife and five children.

Three days after his death, more than 750 boys attended a Mass at the school in order to pray for the repose of his soul. On Wednesday, 30th January, the school was closed as more than 400 boys joined Mr Rocca’s family, friends and neighbours at Mount Carmel Church, Blackley, before the burial at Moston Cemetery.

Pupils who were unable to attend the Requiem Mass at Mount Carmel were given the morning off school so that they could attend Mass at their own churches and pray for the soul of Mr Rocca.

The Universe and Catholic Times published the following tribute from an old Gregorian, whose name was not given:

“He was a scholar and a

good one;

Exceedingly wise, fair-

spoken and persuading.

Lofty and sour to those

who loved him not;

But to those men that

sought him, sweet as

summer.”

The old Gregorian went on to say the following:

“Shakespeare could have written those words [above] for Ambrose Joseph Rocca, a man who was as precious to St Gregory’s school as he was to his family.

He was essentially a man of devotion. A brilliant scholar, who combined the dual roles of headmaster and father with a dignity and Catholic humility.

He will be remembered by many people for many things. By his pupils for his wry smile and dry wit, his absolute fair-minded dealings and capacity to bring the best out of everyone.

By his staff for his devotion to the school, his understanding of their problems and difficulties, and his outstanding ability as a teacher of a wide range of subjects.

By the education authorities in Manchester and further afield for his command of educational matters, his far-sighted planning and as a man who made St Gregory’s one of the leading schools in the city.

His family will have their own cherished memories locked away in their hearts as a constant reminder of the man they loved and respected.

His death has come as a terrible blow to everyone who knew him.

Replacing him with an equal at St Gregory’s will be an almost impossible task, and his successor will know he has a difficult job living up to Mr Rocca’s immaculate reputation.

He was, if you like, a man to whom you would look in difficult times and ask yourself: ‘What would HE do in this case?’ ”

Mr Rocca was well known in Manchester educational circles and beyond, and his death was widely reported with appreciation and acclaim for his achievements.

The Manchester Evening News described Mr Rocca as “one of the driving forces behind the development of St Gregory’s”, and referred to him as a school “pioneer” for his part in “the growth of the school to double its original size”.  The MEN also informed its readers of Mr Rocca’s long association with the school and made reference to his time with the Royal Navy, where he saw active service in the war.

Mr Rocca had been headmaster for twelve years, although he first joined the staff in 1932. He saw the school grow and become one of the largest schools in the city. His death, which came at what one might say was the peak of his career, was an immeasurable loss to St Gregory’s and to education, for he gave much encouragement both to his teaching staff and pupils in their respective roles. His writings display clarity of thought, and a depth of understanding in respect of education. It is of course pure conjecture as to how the future career of the late headmaster would have developed. So much of his career had been spent at St Gregory’s, first as a young teacher and ultimately as the headmaster.

Mr F. Andrew, acting head

Following the death of Mr Rocca, the school was administered in the interregnum by Mr Fred Andrew, deputy head and long-serving woodwork teacher. Mr Andrew, 57, who had joined the staff in 1929, was assisted in his task by various senior and experienced colleagues.  On the few occasions when Mr Andrew was absent, such as when being hospitalised for a short spell, Mr Tony Smith was nominated as deputy and acted as the acting head until Mr Andrew’s return.

St Gregory’s Charities Fund

Following the death of the late headmaster, it was passed that Mr B. Clough’s name be substituted for Mr A.J. Rocca and that the banking account of St Gregory’s charities be continued with the Midland Bank, Stockport Road, Ardwick.

No Speech Day, 1963

The annual practice of staging a Speech Day ceremony at the Free Trade Hall was suspended in 1963 following the death of Mr Rocca.

Lectern

There was a presentation by the Headmasters and Mistresses of the Technical High Schools of a Lectern in memory of Mr A.J. Rocca.

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