"Heckscher State Park, field seven" never rolled off the tongue particularly well. Now it has a much better name: Joe's Beach. Ask any of Joe Rocco's friends and they'll tell you how to get there. Or look it up on the Long Island Windsurfing Map. I've sailed at Joe's Beach about fifteen times, and Joe was there every time, so the name sure works for me.
From his love Marianne: "The memorial service will be at 10:00 a. m. this Saturday at Joe's Beach, formerly known as Heckscher State Park, field 7. If there is any chance of wind, please bring your gear and sail in his memory afterwards. Please bring lawn or other chairs for your comfort. Let's send Joe off in the way he would have wanted. Be prepared with your stories and memories and share with us."
Will be there in spirit.
Posted by: Bunty | September 01, 2011 at 07:01 AM
Unfortunately I won't be able to make it to the memorial service, as I will be out of town, but I wanted to express my condolences and the following thoughts:
I felt sick when I heard the news and still can't get Joe out of my mind. He was probably the nicest and most selfless person I know; always cheerful, warm and helpful to everyone. I have shared, as many have, great times on and off the water and just can't believe he is gone. He wasn't just the mayor; he was our big brother and even a father figure to some, much closer to most of us than some of our own relatives. Joe was an integral part of our windsurfing family and leader of our community and this is why his loss hurts so much since many of us think of him as family.
I will miss him terribly but keep him in my memories forever. Good by old friend...
Tytus
Posted by: Tytus Boleslawski | September 01, 2011 at 01:41 PM