SCARBOROUGH — Rocco J. “Rocky” DiSanto Jr., 52, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in Portland on Christmas Day, the son of Rocco J. DiSanto Sr. and the late Sandra L. DiSanto. He attended Lincoln Junior School and graduated from Deering High School in 1977.

In his earlier years, Rocco worked at Anjon’s Italian Restaurant and was the creator of the famous stuffed breads. Later, he opened and operated Rocco’s Restaurant in the Old Port area of Portland.

He followed his passion of creativity and built his business, “Handyman.” Rocky was a jack-of-all-trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical and painting. His nickname was “McGyver.”

He was humble, charismatic, and had a great sense of humor, even throughout his illness. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Mr. DiSanto is survived by three children, Rocco J. DiSanto III and Allyssa M. DiSanto, both of Falmouth, and Thomas Maiorano of Portland; his father, Rocco J. DiSanto Sr. of Scarborough; a brother, John DiSanto of Scarborough; four sisters, Dorothy Morrell of Portland, Anna DiSanto of Raymond, Caroline DiSanto of Westbrook and Sandra Lee DiSanto of Scarborough; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation was held at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street, Portland, on Wednesday. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:15 a.m., to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Please visit www.jonesrich&hutchins.com for additional information and to sign Rocky’s guestbook.