Ruocchio, Albert Celestino
APRIL 9, 1937 - FEBRUARY 8, 2007
Albert C. Ruocchio, 69, loving husband, brother, father and grandfather passed away Thursday, February 8, 2007 at his home of 41 years. Al was born in 1937 in Flushing, NY to Celestino and Anne Ruocchio. A second generation American, the family then moved to Whitestone, NY where he attended New York City Schools and graduated from Bayside High School in 1954. Following graduation, he gained employment with Queens Camera Store and worked his way through college. He attended Columbia University in New York where he earned an AB in 1958, attended Columbia School of Engineering earning a BSEE in 1959 followed by a MSEE in 1961. While an undergraduate he earned a full Teaching Fellowship for his graduate work. He took great pride in the fact that he paid for his college education through his employment at the camera store. It also served as the introduction to his future bride, Eleanor M. Beller. Following graduation in June of 1961, he joined IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY. In 1966, he was part of the first wave of IBM employees relocated to Research Triangle Park. He worked there until his retirement in July of 1992, after a successful career as a Senior Engineer with numerous patents to his name. Following retirement, he earned his Professional Engineer License in the State of North Carolina and more recently had his own consulting engineering business for both electrical engineering and acoustical consulting. While in North Carolina, Al developed many hobbies and interests. Although an electrical engineer by trade, he was well known for his passion for toy train engineering. He was an avid toy train collector and served as National President of The Train Collectors Association and President of the Southeastern Division of the TCA. He was a founding and dedicated member of his church, St. Raphael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church, serving on numerous Boards and Committees. He designed the current sound system and was for years “the voice” of the annual parish fair, playing music and making announcements. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, spearheading for over 14 years the “Tootsie Roll” Campaign benefiting mentally handicapped children. This endeavor lead him to serve on the Board of Directors of The Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center for over 25 years. Fulfilling and caring for the needs of the “least among my brothers” became a driving goal of his life. Another passion was his love of opera which was introduced to him at an early age by his paternal grandfather who first took him to The Metropolitan Opera House to see Aida. Although not formally trained in music, it became one of his great passions. In 1980, he became the host of the WCPE Opera House and was behind the microphone almost every Thursday evening for the next 26 years bringing classical music into the homes of millions of people around the world. Despite his many commitments, the most beloved part of Al's life was his family. Nothing made him happier than a Sunday dinner surrounded by his entire family and close friends. Nothing made him more proud than to learn and brag about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his loving, caring and patient wife of 44 years, Eleanor; son, Paul A. and daughter- in-law, Penny; son, John H. and daughter-in-law, Kay; and son, Peter A. and soon to be daughter-in-law, Claire Bury; grandsons, Christopher P., Matthew J., Andrew T, and Thomas S.; a granddaughter, Lillian G.; and a sister, Anne G. Ruocchio, all of Raleigh. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Sunday, February 11, 2007 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road. Visitation will also take place from 12-1 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2007 at St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. and the burial at Historic Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27611. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in his name to: The Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center, 1800 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27608 or the St. Raphael Early Childhood Center, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Tributes may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com Published in The News & Observer on 2/10/2007.