Obituary of Joseph Felix Nocca

Former attorney and Yonkers City Court, Judge Joseph Felix Nocca, died peacefully on December 19, 2018 at the age of 88. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Romano Nocca, to whom he was married for 61 years. He also leaves behind his beloved family: his daughter Barbara Jo Porter (John), his son, Nicholas Anthony (Viviane), and seven grandchildren, John Joseph and Jacqueline Nicole Porter, and Grace Kelly, Carter Joseph, Christopher Scott, Lorelai Nicole, and Nicholas Francisco Nocca. Judge Nocca was born in Yonkers, New York on February 25, 1930 of immigrant parents, Nicola and Maria Bucci Nocca. A lifelong resident of Yonkers, Judge Nocca was a graduate of the "Old Yonkers High School" and of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was the recipient of numerous academic honors. After college, he graduated from Harvard Law School and was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to study in Italy. Judge Nocca was proud of his Italian heritage and his family's roots in Corato, Bari, Italy and traveled to Italy many times, often with his entire family. In spite of his visual handicap, Judge Nocca overcame many obstacles and became a well-respected attorney. Later in his career, Judge Nocca was elected to the City Court of Yonkers, and subsequently was appointed Chairman of the Ethics Committee of the City of Yonkers. Judge Nocca was loved and respected not only by his family and friends but also by his colleagues and adversaries in the law alike. He was a man of charisma, determination, courage and compassion who loved the law and justice. Judge Nocca was a New York Mets fanatic. Former Manager Willie Randolph once introduced him as his "bench coach." He spread much laughter at parties and dinners with his "Never Got a Dinner" routine and his wide cadre of jokes. Judge Nocca was deeply involved in his community. He founded the East Yonkers chapter of the Lions's Club, was President of the Yonkers Male Glee Club, and served on the board of the Enrico Fermi Foundation. He was recognized by the Columbus Day Celebration Committee for his humanitarian efforts. He was appointed by Governor Malcolm Wilson Chairman of the New York State Commission for the Blind during which time he succeeded in making non-driver license ID's available to the visually handicapped and promoted the hiring of the visually handicapped for appropriate employment. Judge Nocca was honored with the New York State Seaman's Award for his service to the blind and visually handicapped. Judge Nocca will be deeply missed by many, but not forgotten, as he leaves a legacy of law, love, laughter and liveliness. Friends may call at the Sinatra Memorial Home, 499 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY from 2-4 and 6-8 on January 4, 2019. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 5 at the First Baptist Church of White Plains, 456 North Street, White Plains, NY at 10:30 am. The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schepens Eye Research Institute, 20 Staniford St., Boston, MA 02114.