Obituary: Peter Ruocco, 91

Former Island Park Fire Chief Peter Ruocco of the Original Engine Company, a member of the department for 55 years, died on April 6. He was 91.

Peter Anthony Ruocco was born on March 10, 1925 in the Bronx. His family moved to Long Beach, eventually settling in Island Park. In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy, and was stationed at Piney Point Naval Base in Maryland as a torpedo tester, and later at the captain’s headquarters. He was discharged in 1945. He and his wife, Dorothy, raised four children, William, Douglas, Andrew and Madalane. He joined the Island Park Fire Department on May 2, 1960 and served in every capacity within the department including Chief and Commissioner. Ruocco also served as the Chairman of the Second Battalion, representing the Baldwin, Freeport, Long Beach, Island Park, Oceanside, and Point Lookout-Lido Fire Departments.

A veteran of World War II, Ruocco dedicated his life to his country, his community, his family, and the volunteer fire service.

The Island Park Fire Department extends its condolences to Former Chief W.M. Dennis Ruocco and the entire Ruocco family. “This loss is more than a loss for the Island Park Fire Department,” Former Chief Anthony D’Esposito said in a statement. “The United States of America has lost another from the greatest generation.”

A fire department service was held on April 13 at 7 p.m. A mass was held on April 14, 2016 at 9:15 a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Island Park. Ruocco was interned at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Donations in Ruocco’s memory may be made to the Island Park Fire Department at 440 Long Beach Road; Island Park, NY; 11558.