The Dedication of a Local Sports Fan

Ralph Rocco is a man who loves sports.

The retired World War II veteran of Bayville is a true New York Yankees and New York Giants fan. Yet, his love for the game does not stop with the professionals. Rocco has been attending sports games at Lacey Township High School for over 30 years.

"Football is my number one," said Rocco, a regular at basketball, girls and boys soccer, track, lacrosse and field hockey games at Lacey Township High School.

"I have to choose," said Rocco. "I can't be everywhere at one time."

Rocco moved to Lacey Township in 1975 with his wife and children and has been attending games since the 1980s.

"The whole family tagged along," said Rocco.

When attending games at Lacey Township High School, Rocco is instantly recognized by others in attendance. Seeing Rocco at Lacey sports games and activities is typical.

"I know a lot of people. If they don't see me at a game they ask if something is wrong," said Rocco. "They're all nice people."

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Rocco spent a portion of his life working as a machinist. At the age of 19, he was drafted to serve in World War II and left the east coast for Alaska.

"I came back and spent some time in California. We stayed at one of biggest race tracks in Los Angeles," said Rocco. "They took the horse stables and made barracks out of them. Soldiers would camp and live in them. We used to wake up and go out and run on the track."

Once the War ended, Rocco went back into his field and worked to repair airplane engines and various machine work throughout New Jersey.

After marrying, Rocco eventually moved to Rochelle Park, where he coached little league baseball for ten years.

However, having experience as a coach, Rocco prefers to watch the Lacey Township games, rather than help with coaching.

"I don't want to bother the coaches," said Rocco. "They're the coach, they have to take care of everything that's going on."

According to Rocco, Lacey Township is his favorite spot for sports games.

"I enjoyed it down here. It's a nice place," said Rocco.

Not only is Rocco an avid sports fan, he's also an athlete himself, having played sports growing up in Northern New Jersey.

"In my day we didn't have fields like that, we played on stones. Whatever we could find. It was rough," said Rocco. "As years went by, things improved."

Rocco has been invited to attend sports banquets at Lacey Township High School. He admits, however, that he has been unable to attend each one he is invited to, as he once was able to.

"I'm getting older and I'm not that comfortable anymore," said Rocco. "I hate to do that to the kids."

A proud moment for Rocco was being awarded with a plaque, years ago, by the honor society and Lacey Township High School football coach, Lou Vircillo, for his support for Lacey sports.

"I'm treasuring that plaque," said Rocco.

Rocco's love for sports isn't the only thing that has kept him coming back over the years. His dedication lies not only in the games he watches, but also in those who make the games possible.

"You get to know them all. You get to know the kids. They know who I am," said Rocco. "They see me and say, 'That's Ralph!' The whole town knows you," said Rocco.