Massapequa's John Nocero, 84, dies

The Great Depression taught John A. Nocero of Massapequa the importance of a strong work ethic, family members said Thursday.

The son of Italian immigrants born in Manhattan, he would eventually climb from his first job as an entry-level clerk at the Brooklyn Union Gas Company in 1947 to become a vice president of the utility, which would eventually become KeySpan.

Nocero, the father to four educators on Long Island including the superintendent of the Eastport-South Manor School District, died Tuesday at his home. He was 84.

Nocero, who was diagnosed with cancer in August, worked for 44 years at Brooklyn Union/KeySpan and raised five children on Long Island, including Mark Nocero, of Smithtown, who is the Eastport-South Manor superintendent.

Nocero was born on Aug. 28, 1927, in the Little Italy section of Manhattan.

"He was a man who exemplified the characteristics of the American dream," said his son John A. Nocero Jr. of Smithtown, principal of Accompsett Middle School in the Smithtown School District.

Nocero served in the Armed Forces during World War II. Upon his discharge he married the love of his life, Ellen, and began his career at Brooklyn Union Gas Company in 1947.

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He worked out of the Bedford office, taking applications and $3 deposits from customers to initiate gas service. Nocero changed departments and moved to the machine room on Pearl Street, but returned to the customer area as an assistant supervisor and then a supervisor.

Nocero raised five children in Massapequa with Ellen, who died of breast cancer in 1987. Besides Mark and John Nocero, survivors include daughters Annette Monzert, a retired New York City teacher from Lynbrook; Ellen Nocero Donohue, an interior designer from Massapequa; and Gina Brienza, a Home and Careers teacher in the Massapequa School District from Farmingdale. He's also survived by 16 grandchildren.

Nocero loved to travel and upon retirement he shared his love of life with his longtime companion, Rose Albano. Together, they shared trips to Atlantic City, Las Vegas and cruises to numerous ports.

A wake will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday at James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway in Massapequa. The funeral Mass will take place at 9:45 a.m. Saturday at Maria Regina RC Church at 3945 Jerusalem Ave. in Seaford.