Rocco F. La Spisa, age 46, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1979, in Maywood, Illinois, on his great-great-grandmother Mary Ellen Woodruff's 98th birthday—a detail that always felt quietly meaningful.

Rocco was a gifted and deeply intelligent creative, known for his work in technology, production, and acting both in Illinois and California. He contributed his skills behind the scenes to major fashion and media clients, including work in sound, video, and IT—where precision, calm focus, and creativity mattered most.

He also loved working as an actor in television series such as Chicago Fire and cherished the friendships he built on set and on location. The camaraderie, creative energy, and sense of belonging found in those environments meant a great deal to him.

Thoughtful, private, and a loving and kind soul with the biggest smile and bright blue eyes, Rocco lived more in ideas than in noise. Those who knew him best will remember his intelligence, sensitivity, and the quiet way he moved through the world—on his own terms and in his own time.

Rocco deeply loved and cherished his dog, Niko, whose companionship meant the world to him.

He is survived by his mother, MaryEllen Curran. His father, Michael F. La Spisa, preceded him in death.

Services will be private.

In memory of Rocco and his love for dogs, memorial gifts may be made in his honor to Forever Husky, a devoted non-profit dog rescue dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Siberian Huskies, at ForeverHusky.org

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027