At birth, he was classified as a Clam Digger, then grew up to become a journalist and a scholar. When little Patrick Rocchio was born at Einstein Medical Center, his mom and dad lived here on City Island, qualifying him for that special status - "Clam Digger".
Patrick says he thoroughly enjoyed growing up here on the island. Later, he went on to attend Catholic schools in the area and ultimately earned his Bachelors, as well as Masters degrees in English. Patrick received his undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey and then earned his advanced degree at IONA College, in nearby New Rochelle, NY. Patrck Rocchio is also a certified English teacher.
Patrick proudly boasts that since he was a teenager, he wanted to be a writer and is delighted to be working as a print journalist. Mr. Rocchio has been serving as a news reporter, and news assignment editor for four years. His work regularly appears on Community Newspaper Group's The Bronx Times Reporter, http://www.yournabe.com - as well as in The New York Post, www.nypost.com News Corporation Companies.
Patrick Rocchio truly enjoys writing the first draft of history. He tells City Island Images that his most favorite local story, which he has covered is Ladder 53 " It shows the disconnect between City Hall and City Island."
Patrick was there when hundreds of City Island residents converged on the firehouse at 169 Schoefield Street on Monday, May 9 calling for Mayor Bloomberg to keep the firehouse open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
after it was announced that Ladder Company 53 was one of 20 fire companies slated for closure. The Mayor apparently backed off the proposal.
Patrick states that in his opinion, the most important issue facing City Islanders is to hang on to a rich culture, to respect the nautical history of this wonderful place and to pay close attention to this special neighborhood.
Reporting local news is all about accuracy reliability, truth, justice and integrity. Patrick Rocchio - Clamdigger, journalist and scholar does it well and takes his job seriously.