Saratoga Springs, NY - Joseph E. Ruccio, Jr., 76, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA. Born on September 7, 1935 in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of the late Joseph and Angeline Barbiero Ruccio of Naugatuck, CT, where Joe was raised as a child. He graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1957. Joe served two years in the US Army and then began his teaching career in Granville, NY. Teaching was Joe's passion, history and economics were his subjects. In 1964, to further his abilities as a teacher, he enrolled in the political science Master's program at the University of Vermont, which is where he met is wife, Barbara, on a blind date. They were married on August 14, 1965 and moved to Saratoga Springs. For over 30 years, Joe taught in the classroom and coached in Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs. After retiring as a teacher, he embarked on a second career as a stock broker and financial advisor. Joe was involved in the Saratoga Springs community and was especially proud of his role in starting the youth hockey program during the early years of the Saratoga Youth Commission. He was a communicant of St. Clement's Church. Survivors include his wife Barbara; his daughters, Karen Ruccio, Christina Ruccio and son-in-law Leo Boudreau; his son Jed and daughter-in-law Courtney Ruccio; his three grandchildren, Nole and Oliver Ruccio and Annalise Boudreau. Joe is also survived by his special friend, Luke, a dog of uncommon loyalty. There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30am Saturday, May 26, 2012 at St. Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, by the Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215-5450, (www.dana-farber.org). Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.