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Bishop Ruocco Council 9275 Chelmsford/Westford/Littleton, MA    •   PO Box 65   •    Chelmsford, MA 01824  •

Council Founded April 19, 1986

Biography of Bishop Joseph J. Ruocco

Yearly Re-Cap

Charter Officers

Charter Members

Past Grand Knights

Past and Affiliated Clergy

Former District Deputies

Knight of the Year

Biography of Bishop Joseph J. Ruocco

Bishop Joseph J. Ruocco, the son of Joseph and Concetta Ruocco, was born in Boston, MA on April 21, 1922. He was one of six children. At the age of two years, the bishop and his family moved from the North End of Boston to Lexington. The bishop attended and graduated from the Lexington public schools. After graduation from high school, he entered Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA in the fall of 1941 to begin his preparation for Roman Catholic priesthood.

On May 6, 1948, Joseph J. Ruocco was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston by Archbishop Richard J. Cushing at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston. His first parish assignment was as assistant pastor at Saint Anne Parish in Readville. Subsequent parish assignments followed at Saint Catherine of Genoa Parish in Somerville and Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood.

In 1971, Father Ruocco was appointed administrator of Saint John-Saint Hugh Parish in the Roxbury section of Boston by Humberto Cardinal Mederios. He served in this assignment until 1974 when Cardinal Mederios appointed him Pastor of Saint Timothy Parish in Norwood.

On December 31, 1974, it was announced that Father Ruocco, together with three other Boston priests, had been appointed an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Boston by Pope Paul VI. He was ordained a bishop on February 11, 1975 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross by Cardinal Mederios.

Following his Episcopal Ordination, Bishop Ruocco was assigned by Cardinal Mederios to be the Regional Bishop of the Lowell Region of the Archdiocese. This area of the archdiocese covers the Merrimack River Valley and includes the major cities of Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill and Framingham with a total of 101 Catholic parishes and other institutions.

During the racial school-busing problem in the city of Boston, Bishop Ruocco served as Cardinal Mederios’ representative to the Citywide Coordinating Council and as the Episcopal moderator of the Peace and Justice Commission of the Archdiocese. Bishop Ruocco also served as a member of the executive board of directors of a number of local institutions such as the Italian Home for Children in Boston, Saint Ann’s Home in Methuen, Saint Joseph Hospital and D’Youville Hospital in Lowell.

Bishop Ruocco was also a longtime member of the Massachusetts Order, Sons of Italy in American and for many years served as the State Chaplain to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

After a lengthy illness of congestive heart failure, Bishop Ruocco died on July 26, 1980 at D’Youville Manor in Lowell.

In his homily at Bishop Ruocco’s funeral mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Cross on July 31, 1980, Cardinal Mederios said the following:

“Wherever Bishop Ruocco went, people were impressed with and drawn to his spirit of genuiness, simplicity, and above all, his friendliness. To everyone he preached vigorously the gospel of Jesus Christ with its demands for love, justice and peace without compromise. His constant theme was the dignity of human person and the demand of Jesus that we respect that dignity and love one another as he loved us.”

Quite appropriately, Bishop Ruocco’s Episcopal motto was simply

God is Love.

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Yearly Re-cap

1986-87 -- Geo Goguen, GK

Everything is new. Tadmuck Club. Meetings start at 8! A tractor, God & Country for the 4th of July. The first family Communion Breakfast. Financial Secretary, Recorder and Treasurer are in the back of the hall. That was great!!! Pizza is served at the changing of the guard! We hoped it would be a tradition to continue, it has. (I like Pepperoni on mine, Ray).

1987-88 -- William Floyd, GK

First Place in the 4th of July Parade for our salute to the bicentennial of the signing of the Constitution. Dunkin Munchkins for the Installation! First annual Children’s Christmas Party. In February we moved to the Tara.

1988-89 -- David Gorham, GK

A potluck for an installation. A 100 Club Party! Thanksgiving dinners are given out. Plan our first summer outing. We serve at a Marian Year service on the hottest night ever.

1989-90 -- Armand DiLando, GK

Second Place in the 4th of July Parade for our ‘Salute to Education.” Our first essay contest for 4th graders: “What Sunday Means to Me.” Trivia/Chowder Night for a social meeting. First ever Special Needs Bowling, our first Day of Reflection and Father Gary’s Roast.

1990-91 -- Anthony Controneo, GK

Columbian and Founders’ Award

A $2,000 profit from the 4th of July booth and 29 marchers in the parade! Bottle collecting social meeting. Characters at the Tootsie Roll Drive. Very Profitable roast beef dinner on Valentines Day. The birth of the Council Cookbook. Membership peaks over 100.

1991 -92 -- Paul Clark, GK

The Tommy Makem concert becomes the biggest fund-raiser ever for the council--an enormous undertaking. Many of us attended a UMass hockey game for a social meeting. Still one of our best social meetings.

1992-93 -- Gerard Lyons, GK

We move to the Elks Hall in Westford. Tootsie Roll drive goes over $10,000! Pumpkin picking event is born. We run a Bingo at the NE Rehab of Woburn. A great tradition is born. ..the Yankee Swap! Our Bowling night was great!! (Yes, bowling) A very first special needs fair.

1993-94 - Edward Courtemanche, GK

A new banner is added. A roof is added to the 4th of July booth. We added the terms “SOP” and “POC” to our committee work forever. We form a retention committee to address participation and attendance.

1994-95 -- John Demers, GK

A Knight at the races become a hit. Council dues increased for the first time. Father Paul leads us on a snowy but blessed evening of H reflection. The snow forces the cancellation of our Communion Breakfast By the end of the year, the council’s financial position has turned around dramatically. Few had realized the position we were in.

1995-96 -- Michael Kendrick, GK

The Tootsie Roll Drive tops $17,000!! Foxwoods will never be the same! The ladies are taught the art of stamping. The ladies will participate in a fashion show.

1996-97 -- Barry Bell, GK

We find a “new” home at Nabnasset Lake Country Club. Two Events are brought back — Communion Breakfast and The 100 Club. Two new events are added to the many successful events — Mass of the Roses and Monte Carlo Night. Bishop Ruocco Council becomes #1 in the State for the Tootsie Roll Drive by collecting $20,012.76. WOW !!!!!

1997-98 -- Nelson McCarthy, GK

Bishop Ruocco Council #2 in the State for the Tootsie Roll Drive by collecting $18,241.88. New record set for the Fourth of July Raffle— over $1,200; and the booth raised $700. We finally bought our own coffee pot and instituted “real” social nights. Forwarded a motion to the State Convention to hire at least one more full time person to administer the Tootsie Roll Charity Fund.

1998-99 -- Joseph Clark, Jr., GK

Star Council

We start off the year with a successful Fourth of July Fundraiser. Great turnout for the handicapped kids carnival at the Paul Center (formerly Camp Paul). Rained all weekend for the Tootsie Roll Drive. We learn that a case of beer is like gold—at the Yankee Swap. We get “Social” at a Lock Monsters Game and at the Ground Round.

1999-2000 -- Jim Lovas, GK

Columbian and Fr. McGivney Award

Kicked off new Millennium in Bishop Ruocco style: Marched in 103 degree heat on July 4^th, how about that Patriotism! Raffle tops $1,600 profit. Burgers big hit at booth, Kielbasa NOT. Added Tootsie Roll Golf Tournament, combined with drive raises $29K. Retention committee “calling all members.” Finally getting some PR from local papers. Re-established relationship with St. John’s. Opened Communion Breakfast to all.

2000-01-- Ken Desilets, GK

Star Council

Our Council placed second in the State for collecting money during the Tootsie Roll Drive. We assisted 10 Families through the Charity Fund to the tune of $23,000 with wheelchair ramps, van lifts and hearing aids. We hosted 60 kids with Special Needs during our spring bowling program. We dedicated the Free Throw Contest in the memory of Dave Gorham, a Council Charter Member and a beloved Brother. At St. John’s, we assisted and cooked for their family outing and raised over $700 for them by running the first Annual Ham & Bean Dinner.

2001-02 — John Lamplough, GK

Star Council

The Tootsie Roll Drive and Golf Tournament raised $18,985.31 and the Council placed Number One in the State. The Degree Team is in demand, and the web page is up and running again. The Council reopens the Mill Café, and LifeLinks dedicates the David G. Gorham Gallery for disabled artists. The New Year’s Open House is a success, and we host a Papa Gino’s Fundraiser for The Paul Center. September 11, 2001 changed our lives forever.

2002-03 — Mike Chalsen, GK

Star Council

“In Solidarity with our Priests” letter signed by members. Record heat melts pavement at 4^th of July events – lower turnout results in late night specials for pizzas. 9/11 anniversary seedlings take root. Faith Q&A – the journey continues. Dr. Ray builds up our confidence as parents – what’s so funny? The brutal weather doesn’t slow down this council. Pro-life efforts warm our hearts. The Church will rebound. Pray for world piece.

2003-04 — Steve Brenner, GK

Star Council

The council moved to a new “Home” at the Cameron School in Westford. Christopher Columbus and float back in July 4^th parade after ten tears in storage. We were number 2 in the State Tootsie Roll Drive. We were represented at the Pro-Life march in Washington, DC by two fellow brothers. Finally – a Special Needs Fair with no rain. This was our first year selling religious Christmas cards.

2004-05 — Harold Coughlin, GK

Star Council

This year we won first prize with the “Santa Maria” float in the 4^th of July parade. Some key words: Booth, Bean Supper, Special Needs Fair, Special Needs Bowling, Ramp, Evening of Reflection, Catholic Men’s Conference, Christmas Party, Communion Breakfast, Bottle Drive, Retreat, Degree Team, Pizza, Tootsie Roll Drive, Mass of Remembrances, Parade, Christmas Cards, Van Lift, Roast, Yankee Swap, Star Council for 2003-2004, all in a good year.

2005-2006 — Richard Curtis, GK

Star Council

Our patriotic float won third prize at the Chelmsford’s 250^th parade; the unusual large crowd made the booth busy (and profitable). Our 2004 Tootsie Roll Drive came in #1 for revenue –per-member – well done! The 2005 drive made repeated this, with $19,601 collected. We’ve provided charitable assistance, done well with our parish events, and the Special Needs events have been well-attended and well run. Ran a bus to the Catholic Men’s Conference. We saw Fr. Aveni off to a pastorship in Holbrook, and Fr. Marc off to a chaplaincy in Iraq. Please keep him in your prayers. The council now has 2 DDs!

2006-2007 — Paul Rigazio, GK

Columbian Award

We were able to extend our council to St. Anne church of Littleton, by including them in our Tootsie Roll Drive (TRD), Christmas Card Sales, and Membership Drive. Our Council now covers four local parishes. Our TRD raised $19,301 for our Special Need Children and again was first in the state. Other major activities included: July 4^th Parade and Booth, Special Need Fair and Bowling, Free Throw Contest, Boston Men’s Catholic Conference, Evening of Reflection, Private Socials for the local Priests, and many parish support activities. We also welcomed back from Iraq our Chaplain Fr. Marc Bishop, and welcomed two Associate Chaplains; Fr. White and Fr. Ventura. Another successful and active year.

2007-08 -- Paul Rigazio, GK

Columbian Award

During this past fraternal year we added two new events to our Council activities, namely the Soccer Challenge in Sep 07 and a Blue Mass planned for Apr 08 for our local police and Fire first responders. We also initiated a Power of Ten Program to increase contact with all our brothers in the Council and continued our good coverage with St. Anne Church in Littleton. Our TRD raised $ 16,395 for Special Need Children and again our Council was first in the state. Other major activities included; July 4th Parade and Booth, Special Need Fair and Bowling, Free Throw Contest, Boston Men’s Catholic Conference, Evening of Reflection, and many parish support activities. We welcomed our two Chaplains; Fr White and Fr. Ventura. Another successful and active year.

2008-09 -- Adam Heroux, GK

Star Council

Honorable mention for the Santa Maria Float and Steve Conte as Christopher Columbus at 4th of July. The council was honored by Paul Center and KIDS organization. New decks at Camp Paul. Steve and Barry 4th year DDs. Danielle Candellari wins national free throw championship. Thanks to Dave Breen for many great years as Tootsie Roll Drive Chair.

2009-10 -- Gene Bartos, GK

First Place for the Santa Maria Float and Steve Conte as Christopher Columbus at 4th of July. The council was honored by Paul Center and KIDS organization. Star Council award for 2008-2009. Job well done for Adam Heroux as new Tootsie Roll Drive Chair. Record earnings for 4th July booth. New meeting place at The Paul Center.

2010-11 -- Francis X. Burke, GK

Description of awards:

Columbian Award

Submitted all reports on time. Conducted at least four programs in each of the following sections of the service program: Church, Community, Council, Family and Youth.

Father McGiveny Award

Service Program Report has to be submitted on time -- August 1^st. Achieve Membership Quota.

Founders’ Award

Service Program Report has to be submitted on time – August 1^st. Achieve Insurance Quota.

Star Council

Achieve all the above 3 awards above to be awarded Star Council.

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Charter Officers  April 19, 1986

Grand Knight	Geo M. Goguen PGK
Deputy Grand Knight	William J. Floyd PGK
Chancellor	Robert Ferreira
Warden	Matthew J. Falcone
Inside Guard	Joseph V. Kopycinski
Outside Guard	Rod L, MacLellan
Recorder	David Gorham PGK
Advocate	Thomas Hughes
Treasurer	William Crittenden
Financial Secretary	James Kopp
Trustees	Robert Berling  Peter E. Clougherty  Raymond F. Dunn

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Bishop Ruocco Charter Members   April 19, 1986

Rev. Robert Barrett	Geo Goguen
Rev. Daniel Cronin	David Gorham PGK
Robert Berling	Frank Heslin
John Connell III	Thomas Hughes
Anthony Cotroneo PGK	Charles Johnson
Peter Clougherty	Raymond Kelly
William Crittenden	James Kopp
William Dixon	Joseph Kopycinski
William Donohue	Alexander LeCourt
Raymond Dunn	Roderick MacLellan
Michael Erhartic	Joseph Mercurio
Matthew Falcone	John Morris
Joseph Ferreira	Brian Muise
Robert Ferreira	John Murphy, Jr.
William Floyd, Jr. PGK	Joseph Reisert
Robed Therrien

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Bishop Ruocco Past Grand Knights

Geo M. Goguen PGK	1986 - 1987
William Floyd PGK	1987 - 1988
David Gorham PGK	1988 - 1989
Armand DiLando PGK	1989 -1990
Anthony Controneo PGK	1990 - 1991
Paul Clark PGK	1991 - 1992
Gerard Lyons PGK	1992 - 1993
Edward Courtemanche PGK	1993 - 1994
John Demers PGK	1994 - 1995
Michael Kendrick PGK	1995 - 1996
Barry Bell PGK	1996 - 1997
Nelson McCarthy PGK	1997 – 1998
Joseph Clark, Jr. PGK	1998 – 1999
Jim Lovas PGK	1999 - 2000
Ken Desilets PGK	2000 - 2001
John Lamplough PGK	2001 - 2002
Mike Chalsen PGK	2002 – 2003
Steve Brenner PGK	2003-2004
Harold Coughlin PGK	2004-2005
Richard Curtis PGK	2005-2006
Paul Rigazio PGK	2006-2008
Adam Heroux PGK	2008-2009
Gene Bartos PGK	2009-2010
Francis X. Burke, PGK	2010–2011

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Past and Affiliated Clergy

Rev. Paul J. Aveni Jr.

Rev. Robert E. Barrett *

Rev. Raymond P. Benoit +

Rev. Richard A. Buntel

Rev. Daniel F. Cronin

Rev. William S. Dunn

Rev. Mr. Robert W. Druzis

Rev. Gary D. Fernandez +

Rev. Paul J. Finegan +

Rev. Leo E. Martel

Rev. Christopher K O’Connor+

Rev. John M. Sullivan

Rev. Mark Bishop +

Rev. David P. White ++

Rev. William N. Ventura +

* Charter Member

+ Chaplain

++ Present Chaplain

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Bishop Ruocco District Deputies

Ken Mitchell, PGK, FDD	1986 Founder
Edward Cowie, PGK, FDD	1986/1987
Donald Ferriera, PGK, FDD	1987/1988
Donald Arsenault, PGK, FDD	1988/1989
William McMahon, Sr., PGK, FDD	1989/1990
Dana Buyck, PGK, FDD	1990/1991
Marvin Peschal, PGK, FDD	1991/1992
Joseph Mucci, PGK, FDD	1992/1995
Allan MacMullin, PGK, FDD	1995/1996
Peter Voisine, PGK, FDD	1996/1997
Douglas Kelley, PGK, FDD	1997/1998
George lrr, PGK,FDD	1998/1999
Richard Mabie, PGK, FDD	1999/2000
Robert Johnson, PGK, FDD	2000/2002
David Steinbach, PGK, FDD	2002/2005
Barry Bell, PGK, FDD	2005/2007
Steven Brenner, PGK, DD	2007/2009
John P. DeCourcy, DD	2009/Present
PGK – Past Grand Knights FDD – Former District Deputy DD – District Deputy

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Knight of the Year

Raymond Dunn	1987
David Gorham, PGK	1988
Anthony Cotroneo, PGK	1989
Gerard Lyons, PGK	1990
Edward Courtemanche, PGK	1991
Gerald Kennedy	1992
Armand DiLando, PGK	1993
Paul Clark, PGK	1994
Michael Kendrick, PGK	1995
John Demers, PGK	1996
Joseph Clark, Jr., PGK	1997
Barry Bell, PGK	1998
Ken Desilets, PGK	1999
Michael Chalsen, PGK	2000
John Lamplough, PGK	2001
Ray Kelley	2002
Jim Lovas, PGK	2003
David Breen	2004
Michael Mancini, PGK	2005
Jason Monahan	2006
Harold Coughlin, PGK	2007
Charles Carroll	2008
Nelson McCarthy, PGK	2009
Paul Rigazio, PGK	2010
Adam Herox	2011

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