Rocco Gigante ’46 graduated from State Teacher’s College with a B.S. in 1950. He went on to earn his master’s from Temple University and Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gigante started his career in 1955 as an elementary teacher at M. Hall Stanton School, one of the first teachers trained as an Elementary School Guidance Counselor. Offered fellowship to Harvard University to continue studies in Problems of Urban Education. He began his administrator career in 1965 being appointed Administrative Assistant at the Youth Development Center, 1967 Vice Principal Andrew Jackson Elementary School. 1970, Principal at Sharswood Elementary School and in 1972 Principal of O.V. Catto Disciplinary School for Boys.
During his tenure he changed the name of O.V. Catto Service Center when he considered the designation ‘remedial disciplinary school ‘ to be offensive. He was an active member of Philadelphia’s social, civic and ethnic communities. He also organized a Walkathon for the March Dimes, Alzheimer Foundation. He was a Commissioner of the Youth Services Commission of the city of Philadelphia. Dr. Gigante served as a member of the So. Philadelphia Citizens Committee and Human Relations. He chaired a statewide fund raiser for the WWII Memorial located in Washington, DC. Rocco was one of the founders of the Columbus Forum Educator’s Lodge and the organizer of the Millennium 2000 St. Mary Magdalene and the principal organizer of the Sons of Italy Maire Rossi Lodge in New Jersey.