Joseph Neil Ruocco

Joseph Neil Ruocco of Huntington, New York passed away on the 26th of April, 2018. He was born on the 1st of November, 1929 to Alfonso Ruocco and Amelia Aiello, both of Positano, Italy. Joe had both an older brother, Bill Ruocco, and sister, Theresa Ruocco Bottigliero. Joe and his siblings were raised in the Bronx. Joe attended Fordham University where he studied Psychology, eventually attaining a PhD. While attending Fordham, Joe met the love of his life, Marilyn Murphy. Joe then served in US Army during the Korean War. Stationed at Fort Ord in Northern California, Joe used his psychology background to support troops. After completing his time in the army Joseph married Marilyn in New York City on December 27, 1954. They would go on to build a large, loving family and remain married for 53 years. Joe then began his professional career in New Jersey and moved to Huntington, Long Island in 1958. He and Marilyn moved into the home where they would raise their seven children and live for the next five decades. The house on White Deer Court became a place of gathering. Friends of Joe and Marilyn remember their warmth and hospitality and the dozens of neighborhood kids who would fill their house each day after school. Their house was busy and crowded and filled with love. His children and grandchildren would continue to cherish visits to White Deer Court for decades to come. Joe had a fulfilling and long professional career. He worked at Grumman Aerospace where he assisted in research and personnel decisions, and it was at Grumman that he completed his PhD research. Joe then moved to ITT where he worked in the personnel department. While commuting from Huntington to New York City Joe began teaching college courses on the Long Island Railroad. This would inspire Joe to begin a career in teaching at Adelphi University where he served as a Professor of Decision Sciences and Marketing in the Business School. Joe continued to work at Adelphi for many years and attained the title of Professor Emeritus upon his retirement from the classroom. After leaving his professional career Joe focused on spending time with family and enjoying his many grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren. Joe was an adoring grandfather, and he traveled near and far to spend time with those he loved. Joseph was predeceased by his wife Marilyn who passed on March 6th, 2007. He is survived by his seven children; Virginia Kelly, Joseph Ruocco, Robert Ruocco (Lisa), Mary Curry (Craig), Christopher Ruocco, Peter Ruocco (Melissa Roddy), and Timothy Ruocco (Tara). He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the Center of Hope Foundation for Maryhaven Center of Hope, 51 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11776

Joseph Neil Ruocco

November 1, 1929 - April 26, 2018