Joseph A. Rauccio, 92, of Niagara Falls, NY, died on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Niagara Hospice House in Lockport, NY, with his daughter at his side. Born May 24, 1916, in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Nicola and Pasqualina (Abrunzo) Rauccio.
Joseph moved to Canada as an infant with his family and returned to the United States in 1934, where he currently resided. On July 9, 1938, he married Catherine (LaSalle) Rauccio at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Mrs. Rauccio predeceased him on November 29, 2001. He was employed as a light equipment operator at Hooker Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, and retired in 1980 after twenty-two years of service. For six years, Joe also owned his own trucking and taxi business. One of Joe's all time favorite television shows was The Ed Sullivan Show. He was an avid Buffalo Bills' fan and also enjoyed eating at Michael's Restaurant and Ponderosa Steakhouse in Niagara Falls. Joe's greatest pleasure came from spending time with his family and friends.
Mr. Rauccio is survived by one daughter, Catherine "Katie" Anthony of Pasadena, CA; four grandchildren, Laurie Woods, J.J. Destin, Lee Anthony and Jennifer Anthony; seven great-grandchildren, Austin, Dyllan, Kyla, Casey, Nicola, Emilee and Jayden; two sisters, Catherine (John) Wiebe and Mae Murray, both of Niagara Falls, Ontario; his sister-in-law, Christine LaSalle of Niagara Falls, NY; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by four brothers, Andrew (Helen of Niagara Falls, Ontario) Rauccio, John (Jean of Niagara Falls Ontario) Rauccio, Frank (late Rose) Rauccio and Patrick "Pat" (late Sue) Rauccio.A special thank you to Dr. Samuel Sirianni and his staff, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and staff, Niagara Hospice House and staff, and dear friends and neighbors; Bill, Candy and Billy LaRue, Lillian Bodie, Pete and Marge Deep Sky for the care and compassion given to Mr. Rauccio and his family.
Friends may call on Tuesday from 5–9 PM at the M.J. COLUCCI and SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 468-19TH STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will begin on Wednesday, January 21st at 9:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, O.S.F.S. officiating. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY.