HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — The Hernando County community is mourning the loss of a former commissioner who passed away last week — Rose Rocco died on November 7 at 78 years old.

  • Former Commissioner Rose Rocco died on November 7
  • She served Hernando County from 2006 to 2010
  • Get more Hernando County coverage

She served as a Hernando County Commissioner from 2006 to 2010.

Commissioner John Allocco didn’t serve with her, but he did get to know her over the years.

“I was saddened when I heard she was kind of at the end there,” Allocco said.

“Rose was one of those people (who) always tried to work across the isles in politics. She was always concerned about the community and what was best for the community,” he added.

Even during campaigns, he said she always remained friendly.

“Many times I stood opposite her, sometimes side-by-side, but on opposite sides during elections even some of her elections when she was running for state office, and we would stand there holding signs opposing but talking about family,” Allocco said.

Over the years they remained friends.

Allocco was able to visit her a week and a half before she passed.

“One of her things always is you know, ‘Do you think I did the right thing for the community?’ … and I said, ‘Rose you always did what you thought was best for the community,’” he said.

“It’s good to remember that we should be able to disagree without being disagreeable, if there’s anything I think we should remember about Rose, it’s just that,” Allocco added.

A gathering will be held on Tuesday, November 12 from 5-6 p.m. at Brewer and Sons Funeral Homes  –  Seven Hills Chapel on Mariner Boulevard. A celebration of life will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to HPH Hospice, 12260 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida 34613.