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 John J. Bucco
John J. Bucco was born in New York on April 24th, 1917. In Rye (Population only 9,865) he lived at 35 Grandview Avenue, with his father Rocco, mother Rose, his two sisters: Antonette and Marie, plus his aunt, Jennie Sherry and the family were members of the Church of the Resurrection. His father was born in Italy and later naturalized as a U.S. citizen and bought the house for, $8,000 (Around $150,000 in today’s money).
John's father worked for a private owned gardening business and was head of the house. John, his younger sisters, and aunt all were employed as well. Prior to WWII, John worked as an apprentice printer helping manufacture and publish magazines. While the majority of John’s family was employed, none of them attended college.
John was a Rye High School Graduate, Class of 1935. He had a perfect attendance for multiple terms. His 4th year of high school would be his last year attending school, considering he didn’t go to college. In high school John played basketball, softball, and baseball and received varsity letter awards for both basketball and baseball.
After graduation, he continued his passion for basketball on the YMCA team. John was also a Rye Boy’s Club runner. John helped around the community through filling in for coaches when they missed softball games and selling tickets for town dances.
John enlisted in July of 1942 at age 23 and served in the US Army during World War II. During this time, he was able to stay connected with Rye through meetups with other Rye boys serving on European battlefronts and care packages sent from Rye. John served until the end of the war being discharged from service on December 21st, 1945. Nine years later, John married Edna B. Wallet on February 27th, 1954. He remained local later moving to White Plains.
John J. Bucco peacefully passed away June 9th, 2005 at age 88.
Will Puzzuoli
Rye High School, Class of 2024
Sources: Census Records, Rye Chronicles, Enlistment Record
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John Bucco Rye Army Veteran by Will Puzzuoli 
