Rocco Magliozzi, 12; loved sports
By David Abel, Globe
Staff | August 1, 2006
A 12-year-old Norwood boy has died ,
apparently after contracting the West Nile virus at a camp in Idaho,
his parents said yesterday.
Rocco Magliozzi , who had spent the
last three weeks in Idaho after finishing the sixth grade at
Norwood's Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School, developed a rash and
fever on July 23, his parents said.
He was taken to a hospital near the
camp in Gooding, Idaho, and two days later was transferred to a
hospital in Boise, they said. He died there on Friday.
``One of the tests was confirmed for
West Nile," said Phil Magliozzi, his father. ``But it's possible
there was something else involved."
West Nile virus can be transmitted to
humans through mosquito bites. Symptoms range from mild flu-like
illness to inflammation of the brain, coma, and death.
Rocco's parents, who are awaiting the
final test results, described him as larger than life.
``He was truly, truly special on many
levels," said his mother, Teresa. ``He had the most beautiful face.
He was a handsome, handsome kid, who had a glow in his heart."
He was No. 51 on Norwood Mustangs of
the Pop Warner Football League, played third base for the Royals in
the Norwood Little League, and he loved to play soccer, basketball,
and archery. He was also fascinated with Greek mythology.
In addition to his parents, Rocco
leaves two siblings, his 7-year-old sister, Gina Joan, and his
3-year-old brother Ty David; and his grandparents, Joan K. Sullivan
of Norwood, James Murray of Falmouth, and Katherine and Joe Thorpe
of Cambridge.
A funeral is planned for Thursday at
Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood. Rocco Magliozzi will be buried at
Highland Cemetery in Norwood.
|
