Joseph Ruocco

Joseph Ruocco, 77, retired elementary teacher and business owner, died Friday, June 20, 2025.

Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, June 27, 2025, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, Saturday, June 28, 2025, both at Holy Savior Catholic Church.

Joseph touched many lives in the Wichita area and beyond through his various careers and hobbies. A graduate of St. Mary of the Plains College, Joseph used his Masters in Inner City Education from St. Louis University at several Wichita public schools. Starting with 6th grade at Dunbar, he quickly moved to teaching 5th grade at Irving, Linwood, and Clark Elementaries from 1969 until his retirement in 2003.

Joseph was the owner of Rock’s Dugout Sports Cards & Memorabilia, founded in the basement Rose Bowl East Bowling Lanes in 1977. After relocating to Northrock Lanes in 2003, he continued to run the shop until he retired in 2022, selling to a long-time customer.

His conveniently located shop also allowed Joseph to pursue his passion for bowling, both bowling in several leagues and creating the Rock’s Dugout Summer League. Joseph was honored by his induction into the Wichita Bowling Hall of Fame, the Wichita Sports Hall of Fame, and the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 1991, he was officially joined in these adventures by wife Cathy and stepchildren Robert, Susan, and Ben. Joseph was also an active member of the Holy Savior Church Community, serving as a choir accompanist using his considerable guitar talent.

Joseph took on an important role as a grandfather with the arrival of his grandsons, Max and Dexter. He enjoyed spoiling both with his time, from sharing art projects or arcade trips, to being a year-round Santa giving Hot Wheels, Legos, and various treats to the boys.

Through these roles, Joseph had a tremendous impact on the Wichita community. And better, he and his wife Cathy have been surrounded by loving family and friends who have become part of his community through these experiences.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents, Dominic and Rose Ruocco; and son, Benjamin Gatton. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Ruocco; children, Robert (Heather) Gatton, Susan (Paul) Borchardt; grandchild, Max Borchardt; daughter-in-law, Jamie Gatton; and grandchild, Dexter Gatton.

Memorials have been established with: Holy Savior Catholic Church, 3000 East 13th Street North, Wichita, Kansas 67214, Lord’s Diner, 520 North Broadway, Wichita, Kansas 67214, or in lieu of flowers donate to a charity of your choice.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.