Funeral for 'suicide' businessman

The funeral takes place today of businessman and socialite Patrick Rocca who was found dead in a suspected suicide at his home earlier this week.

The 42-year-old, who built on his family’s fortune during the Celtic Tiger boom years and was well known as one of Dublin’s high rollers, was found in his family home on Monday with a gunshot wound.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death but foul play is not suspected.

Mr Rocca was a member of one of Ireland’s most prominent business families that once owned Rocca Tiles. They include former Miss Ireland, Michelle Rocca, singer Van Morrison‘s partner.

His body was found on Monday morning at his home in the expensive residential enclave on the edge of Dublin’s Castleknock Golf and Country Club.

Speculation has mounted that his investments suffered badly in the last few months as the recession took hold, share prices collapsed and leading lender Anglo-Irish Bank was nationalised.

His sudden death has come as a huge shock to Dublin’s social set. Mr Rocca had reportedly enjoyed Saturday night at one of the capital’s most exclusive members’ clubs, Residence on Stephen’s Green, and dined with friends on Sunday evening.

He was involved in property in both Ireland and Britain through his company Accorp Properties, which is based in Dun Laoghaire.

He and his wife Annette were well-known in social circles and contributed to many charities. The couple have three children.

During the boom years, Mr Rocca is reported to have completed about 20 property deals in the UK worth up to €300m including €100m for a distribution centre for retailer Argos in Bedford.

Mr Rocca was also involved in the family business Rocca Holdings, which invested in Irish, UK and international property.

The Rocca family’s involvement in business in Ireland stretches back to Patrick’s grandfather, Edgidio Rocca, who rebuilt the Four Courts after the Civil War. His son Patrick founded Rocca Tiles in 1976.

The family sold the business in 2000 but retained a 20% stake before it closed in 2002.

His funeral takes place today at 11am at St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, Dublin, before burial at Glasnevin Cemetery.