Acocella Family Announces Memorial Fund

There was never a doubt that the late Joseph Acocella Jr. would leave a tremendous legacy in Harrison.

On Thursday the Acocella family announced just one of the many ways people will feel his generosity for years to come, officially introducing the Joseph M. Acocella Jr. Memorial Fund. The fund will support a charity every year selected by the Acocella family.

Joseph's sister Laura McCorry publicly introduced the fund, thanking dozens of friends and town officials, including Councilman Joseph Cannella, who helped organize the memorial fund. McCorry said the family will choose from a variety of charities her brother supported, including Donate Life, Autism School for Special Children and non-kill animal shelters, for years to come.

Joseph Acocella, Harrison's town clerk, died on Aug. 8, 2011 at the age of 30. Days after his death the family announced their intentions to setup a charitable fund in his name.

After the formal introduction McCorry accepted donations from the town board, Harrison Recreation Department and the Harrison Police Benevolent Association (PBA). More than $30,000 raised last year for a transplant for Joseph Acocella will also be added to the fund.

All contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and will be donated to charitable tax-exempt organizations.

If you would like to donate to the Joseph Acocella Jr. Memorial Fund, please mail a check payable to Joseph Acocella Jr. Memorial Fund to 200 North Central Park Avenue, Suite 310, Hartsdale, NY., 10530. Anyone interested can also contact the Harrison Town Clerk's Office for details.