Harrison Mourns Loss of Joey Acocella

Tears and hugs were commonplace in all corners of Tuesday morning, as friends and co-workers mourned one of Harrison's most beloved people—Town Clerk Joseph Acocella Jr.

"He was the kindest, he was the nicest, he was everything," said Diana Minishi, who works in the clerk's office, fighting back tears. "You can write down whatever you want and I would mean it from the bottom of my heart."

That was another commodity in town Tuesday—no one could find the words to describe what "Joey" meant to the Harrison community.

Acocella died late Monday afternoon at the age of 30 after a lifelong battle with the rare spine condition Lumbar Sacral Agenesis. He had also fought kidney and heart conditions throughout his life, but not once did the man many have called an inspiration let those obstacles get in his way.

"He never allowed his disability to impact what he wanted to get done," said Harrison Councilwoman Marlane Amelio. "It was more about his ability, rather than his disability."

And ability was something he had plenty of. After losing both of his legs at the age of three, and his mother to a heart condition at the age of 11, Acocella fought on. He was elected student body president at four times before moving on to Fordham University. There he continued to succeed, earning several awards and was even named the school's ambassador before graduating in 2004.

"I thought some day he was going to be president," said Angela Tamucci, who also works in Acocella's office. "I used to say to him, 'Joe, I've got my gown and shoes and everything, I'm ready to come to the inaugural ball'."

After graduation Acocella returned to Harrison and accepted a job in the records division of the . The local politician's life as an elected official began one year later, in 2005, when he was elected the youngest member of the . He served there for two years before he was elected town clerk in 2007, becoming the youngest clerk at the time in New York State.

He made that office his own in ways few others could. He digitized more than 100 years of documents, making information more easily accessible to his constituents than ever before. More recently, he worked with a local high school student to to Harrison at no cost to taxpayers.

"He was one of a kind," said Amelio. "This is just such a tremendous loss for Harrison, he is irreplaceable."

But possibly his best contribution to town hall was his sense of humor and attitude. Even in the most difficult of times—and Harrison has had its share—friends recall Acocella being a source of inspiration for anyone in need.

"He gave everyone hope, after you spoke with Joey you always felt better," said Amelio. "There was just something so charismatic about him."

Even as his health kept him from the office over the last two years, Acocella remained as determined as ever. Despite taking dialysis treatment three times a week while awaiting a possible second kidney transplant, Acocella attended town board meetings whenever possible. He reported to work as recently as Friday and took his seat at a meeting last Thursday despite continued health problems.

Tamucci, who has stood in at meetings when Acocella was unable to attend, remembers asking him if he wanted to take the night off last Thursday. Predictably, Acocella said he could handle it.

"He was dedicated," she said. "He was totally dedicated."

Flags all over town were at half-mast Tuesday. A wall full of photos and other memories are on display as a memorial at town hall. Balloons from Acocella's recent 30th birthday party are still in his office.

As word spread of Acocella's passing Monday night, a flow of support streamed in from both within and outside of the community. County Executive Robert Astorino noted Acocella's always positive outlook in a statement.

"I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend, Harrison Town Clerk Joe Acocella," Astorino said. "Despite the many challenges and obstacles in Joey's life, he always smiled and persevered. He was a dedicated public servant and loved his community."

Harrison Supervisor Joan Walsh noted the same attributes, saying she will remember Acocella's sense of humor lightening the mood in town hall.

"He had a very positive outlook on life, he really did," she said. "He accomplished a great deal during his life and he was greatly admired."

Acocella is survived by is father, Joseph Acocella Sr., and his three siblings, Laura, Michelle and Anthony. are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at Coxe and Graziano Funeral Home in Mamaroneck. A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday morning at .

In lieu of flowers a memorial endowment fund has been established, with all donations going to Acocella's favorite charities—a gesture fitting for a man who dedicated so much of his life to the benefit of others.

"He was all about giving, he had the most incredible spirit," said Amelio. "He never asked for anything, just kept giving."