04/01/2025
- A VERY SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM ROCKYS -
From Dean’s oldest daughter, Deanna:
2021 took a lot away from us, including a family business and family name that has been around since 1967.
If you knew my dad, you knew Rocky’s Body Shop. You probably also knew how much pride he took in his work — how he could bring anything back to life with a paint gun, thousands of curse words, and a whole lot of heart. His attention to detail was second to none, and when it came to custom paint jobs? He was in a league of his own.
My whole life, I wanted to be part of Rocky’s. I wanted to be right there beside him, learning everything he knew. But he always told me no. He didn’t want that life for me or my sister He wanted something different — something better. I didn’t understand it then… but I do now.
So I made it my own.
And today, I’m finally doing what I’ve dreamed of for years: I’m opening Rocky’s Nail Shop — a new chapter, built from the same roots. For now, i am in my own small suite in Sylvania Suites but this is hopefully just the beginning. Opening a door to see an original Rockys sign on the wall, as well as the original business license brings me so much joy.
I may not be working on cars, but I inherited his paint skills all the same — just on a much smaller surface. And like him, I’ve built a name for myself through color, precision, solid foundation, pinstripe detail, and a whole lot of care.
But it wasn’t just about the work for my dad. It was about people.
He listened. He cared. He made real connections with everyone who walked through that garage door. He didn’t just fix their cars — he took the time to hear their stories, to understand their vision, and to build trust. He made people feel seen. That was his gift. He could bring their ideas to life while also caring about who they were as people as i do with my clients.
And lately, those connections have been finding their way back to me in the most beautiful ways.
The day I signed my contract for my new space, the building owner told me that when she went home and shared my story — her family realized they knew my dad, and knew him well. A few days later, the warehouse manager stopped by my room to say hi… and told me he used to deliver parts to my dad all the time. He said when he heard what I was doing, he was blown away. He just had to come meet me and see what I was trying to create.
That’s the kind of impact my dad had. People remembered him — not just for his work, but for how deeply he cared. So many people were heartbroken when we lost him… and losing him just months after losing my grandpa and having to close the shop was more devastating than I can put into words.
I’ll probably never be okay with what happened. But I carry it with me every day. And I hope that in some small way, I can take the hardship he experienced — and turn it into something meaningful. Something that honors him.
Rocky’s Nail Shop is my tribute. To the man my dad was, and to the legacy he left behind. I hope when you see what I’m building here, you see him in it too.
With all my love,
Deanna Mattoni
Below is some of my work and also my new logo and slogan.
While I do not expect any clients of my fathers to book appointments to get your nails done 😆, there are other ways to support to help get us off the ground.
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/06084eb2
- here you will find the story of how and why I finally decided to make the change & why help is appreciated
Or
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Q7FCBR7T93W0?ref_=wl_share
- an Amazon wishlist of product and equipment needed for the space
Please go give my page a like to continue to support at Rocky's Nail Shop
Rocky’s was a staple in Downtown Toledo for many years, and i was sad that it went un acknowledged when my father passed from Covid. I hope I can honor my great grandfather, grandpa, and father in this journey.
Here’s to Rocky’s Nail Shop - where nails go full throttle ❤️🔥
