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Politics & Government

Fundraiser Set to Support Acocella

Joseph Acocella Jr., about to undergo his second kidney transplant, is supported by family and friends.

Joe Acocella knows success, and he knows hardship.

At 28 years old, he is set to serve his second term as Town Clerk, beginning this month. He is also about to undergo his second kidney transplant in 10 years.

After numerous volunteers tested, hoping to be potential donors, Acocella's oldest sister, Laura McCorry, was the match, and is prepared to donate her kidney.

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"It's something I have to do," McCorry said., "He has a great political career in front of him. He's bright, he's ambitious, [and] he's a go-getter. What am I going to do, not do this for my brother?"

The Harrison community has been supporting Acocella with an outpouring of letters, phone calls, and e-mails.

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"Joey, in my eyes, as well as many other residents in town, is one of 'God's special children,'" says Ada Angarano, President and CEO of the Harrison Chamber of Commerce. "This man could have easily let his disability destroy his life from age 3. Instead, his family fought for him to attend the Harrison schools, and he went on to earning his college degree. Joey is well educated, well versed, and is always incorporating new technology to the Town Clerk's office."

Acocella is a familiar name to the residents of Harrison. He worked as a Records Clerk in the Harrison Police Department, while volunteering on the School Board. In 2007, Acocella became the youngest Town Clerk in Harrison's history, with two landslide victories in both the 2007 and 2009 elections.

"Joey lives his life as any normal young man would, and acts as if his 'disabilities' never existed," Angarano said. "He is close friends with the Shield and Cross Motorcycle Club, and they're actually sponsoring a fundraiser for Joey and his family."

Police Sgt. Eddie Lucas is the co-president of Shield & Cross Motorcycle Club, and alongside his fellow club members, is handling the responsibility of arranging the event in honor of their friend.

The fundraiser dinner for Joseph Acocella Jr. and family will be held on Monday, Jan. 11, at Halstead Avenue's Al Dente Restaurant. The tickets will be $100 per person, with all of the proceeds going to the Acocella family.

"This fundraiser will most likely be 'sold-out,' as Joey is a friends and loved by everyone he meets," said Angarano, "Its simply his personality. It will be a sincere pleasure to see him back at the townhouse after he has fully recuperated!"

For those who would like to donate to the cause but are unable to attend the benefit dinner Monday night, donations  can be sent to the Shield & Cross Motorcycle Club, C/O Edward Lucas at 115 Ellsworth Ave., Harrison NY 10528.

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