Peter 'Rocky' Graziano

Peter "Rocky" Graziano passed quietly from this life on Sept. 26, 2024, after a long battle with diabetes.

He was born on July 23, 1942, to Margherita and John Graziano in West Orange, New Jersey. Though second-generation, he was very proud of his Italian heritage and that all four of his grandparents came from the Piedmont region of Italy. From them he learned a strong work ethic that carried him far in all his interests. 

As a child, his happiest memories were formed while spending time with his grandparents and helping them with their businesses — an exclusive restaurant in Rumsen, New Jersey and their more laid-back establishment at the Sea Bright Marina. 

Academics as well as sports were important to him. His passion for sports earned him a university football scholarship, but academics won out after an injury sidelined his football aspirations. Shortly after that setback, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. His gifted mind for all things electronic was recognized and utilized by his superiors in the Coast Guard. He was trained in electrical engineering and was consistently assigned to stations requiring this expertise. One of his more interesting posts was in Libya, Africa where he was part of the team maintaining the Loran Navigational System.

His last post found him stationed at the Coast Guard station in San Bruno, California. Fortuitously placing him right in the hotbed of the emerging computer industry. He merged seamlessly from his military assignments into being one of the forerunners in this transformative part of modern history. First with the new computer division of Hewlett Packard and later as one of the founders of Tandem Computers. Rocky's contributions to this industry were the result of grit and persistence. Though never attaining a degree in Computer Sciences he is one of the signers of Tandem Computers' patents. He was a "self-taught" artist in computer engineering. 

In 1980 he moved his family to Whitefish setting another precedent — working remotely. At the time it was almost unheard of, but he made it work and became a one-man satellite office for Tandem Computers in Montana. He saw his decision to move to Whitefish as one of his best, finding in that choice a true sense of home and many dear, and close friends. 

Though his professional career was important to him it was not all-consuming. His love of sports was enduring, especially when it came to his beloved Mets. Among other things he was also an avid history buff, loved fishing, coaching baseball, and was a connoisseur of all things related to the Grateful Dead. 

He is survived by his children, Michael and Pauline Graziano, and his three grandchildren, Rosario, Santino, and Pascale Grillo. He will be missed by many. 

Rocky's funeral will be held graveside at the Conrad Cemetery on Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Following the burial, those wishing to reminisce about Rocky's life and adventures are invited to attend an informal gathering at the home of his children. Please RSVP at 406-270-7073 for directions.