Ugo Boccarossa

BOCAROSSA, UGO February 1, 2022. Ugo was born in Pietrafitta Italy on December 23, 1939 to Sabato Boccarossa and Elena Cerrone. Ugo had 2 brothers, Vincenzo and Guido. He first met Simplicia in 1956, by an introduction from Simplicia’s brother, Gino. Two months later, he was leaving for America. He returned to Italy four years later and they were married on August 21, 1960. It was a love story that would grow into a beautiful life of 62 years of marriage. Prior to their marriage, Ugo had hopes of chasing the American dream and left for the United States In July of 1956. It was the dream that he knew he would find and live it with his future bride. His brother Guido was already living in Michigan and sponsored his arrival. Ugo traveled by sea on the Andrea Doria cruise liner. After sailing many days, on July 26, 1956, at 11:10 p.m., the Andrea Doria was struck by the Swedish ship, the Stockholm. The Andrea Doria was due to arrive in New York in the morning. Ugo was asleep in his cabin and didn’t initially awake due to the crash. He was sound asleep, as for the first time in his life, he slept in a real bed. He was awakened by the screams and loud noises of passengers. The ship was already on its side. A crew member hoisted him out of his room with a rope and then from the hallway, he and the crew member lifted out an elderly couple that were in the next cabin. Ugo was only 16 years old and traveling alone. By the time he made it to the top of the ship, there weren’t any more lifeboats left. He then jumped into the water and grabbed onto a 5’’ diameter rope that was tied to a dingy. He still bears the rope burns under his arm and body. Ugo used to say, “I drank enough salt water to last me the rest of my life!’ Must be the reason he only drank his homemade wine and very little water. He is one of 1,633 survivors of the Andrea Doria. The Ile de France ship rescued him that day. His survival changed many paths of his life and many, many others as well.. Ugo returned to Italy 4 years later and married Simplica. They had two children. Enzo and Piero. Ugo was a very kind and gentle soul and he loved his family very much. Always a kind word, a warm smile or one of Ugo’s jokes are what everyone will remember him by. He will be missed terribly by his children, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Such a tremendous loss of a truly great man. Ugo is the beloved husband of Simplicia. Dearest father of Enzo (Brenda) and Piero (Annette). Loving Papa of Cloee (Mike) Kennedy, Lilee, and Demee, Natalie, Dominic, and Anthony. Great Papa of Rex and Archer. Dear brother of the late Vincenzo and Guido. Visitation Sunday 2-8 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home 25509 West Warren, Dearborn Heights. Instate Monday 9:30 am at Church of the Divine Child until the time of Mass at 10. Click here to watch the live stream of Ugo's Funeral Mass Spingi qui per vedere la diretta streaming della messa funeraria di Ugo