Albert E. Rocuskie

Renowned Tamaqua area Chiropractor, Dr. Albert E. Rocuskie of Mahanoy Ave., Hometown, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, with his family by his side, at the age of 80.

Survived by his beloved wife of fifty-eight years, Sylvia (Poplaski) Rocuskie; 4 daughters whom he cherished & 11 grandchildren whom he adored: Kelly Cappos, wife of David Cappos, Harrisburg; Karen Brandt, wife of Dr. John Brandt, Lock Haven; Kathy Ringenbach, wife of Paul Ringenbach, Hummelstown; and Kimberly Sandelier, wife of Peter Sandelier, Turnersville, NJ; His grandchildren include: Dr. Ashley Brandt, Eric Cappos, John Paul Brandt, Esq., Dr. Christopher Cappos, Brian Cappos, Kristin Brandt, Esq., Michael Ringenbach, Amanda Ringenbach, Nicole Sandelier, Jonathan Ringenbach, & Lauren Sandelier. Grandchildren in-laws include: Jordan Cappos, Colin Bishop, Esq. & Amber Cappos.

He is survived by brother, Benjamin Rocuskie (Marlene), Harrisburg and sister Alice Tetkoskie (Jim) York Haven; sisters-in-laws, Joanie Rocuskie, Milton, and Alice Rocuskie, York Haven; and numerous nieces, nephews & godchildren.

Born in Sunbury, Northumberland County, the second son of the late, Albert E. Raczkowski, Sr and Miriam (Shelly) Raczkowski. He was predeceased by brothers, Tony and Charlie Rocuskie.

Nothing in the world meant more to Dr. Rocuskie than his beautiful wife, loving family & dedicated patients. He was kind, compassionate, and inspirational. He always enjoyed spending time with family, attending his daughters’ & grandchildren’s sporting events, playing baseball, golfing, ice-skating, swimming, skiing, hunting, cheering for Penn State, & annually vacationing with all 25 family members in Myrtle Beach, SC. A consummate story teller he loved to entertain with stories about his family and life experiences and always had pockets full of candy to share with everyone. He ended EVERY phone call or interaction with his family saying “I love you!”

Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie were married for 58 years. They met in grade school and were a perfect example of everlasting love. They worked together, raised a family together, & bought sunshine into every interaction they had with their patients, friends, and even strangers.

Dr. Rocuskie graduated from Coal Township High School, Shamokin - Class of 1955. He was an excellent shortstop who was happiest playing semi-pro baseball in Shamokin, was invited to try out for the Philadelphia Phillies at the age of 16, & played semipro baseball throughout college. He received his undergraduate degree from Moline Community College, Moline, Illinois, his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa and his post graduate degree from Toftness Institute of Chiropractic, Cumberland, Wisconsin. He obtained his Pennsylvania Chiropractic license in 1960 and began his professional practice at the Kashuba Chiropractic Clinic, Mt. Carmel, PA.

Dr. & Mrs. Rocuskie moved their family from Mt Carmel to Hometown in 1967 where they fulfilled their dream of opening a solo Chiropractic private practice. Dr. Rocuskie brought pain relief to thousands of patients over the years and continued to practice until the day of his recent accident. He was recognized for providing excellent compassionate care to patients for over half a century by receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award and a 50th anniversary commemorative medal from the Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. In May 2017 he was honored for his lifetime dedication to his profession when he returned to Iowa and Palmer College where he and his family were guests of honor by the university administration, alumni, and students. Mrs. Sylvia Rocuskie, a Medical Assistant graduate of the Pennsylvania Junior College of Medical Arts, was also recognized with a plaque for assisting her husband in his practice for over 50 years.

He was a long time member of the International Chiropractic Association, the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association, the Palmer Alumni Association, the Hometown Fire Company, Tamaqua Knights of Columbus, Tamaqua Elks and a 50 year member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church. In the 1970s and 1980s Dr. Rocuskie was the team doctor for the Marian Colt’s football and basketball teams as well as assistant coach of the Marian Fillies softball team.

The family of Dr. Rocuskie would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of his dedicated patients who he had the privilege of treating over the course of his lifetime. He was passionate about his career and never considered it work. He loved his patients!
They would like to thank the wonderful family friends who have been a constant source of support and love over the years.

The family would also like to recognize the amazing physicians and healthcare teams at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Pinnacle Health Harrisburg Hospital, and St Luke’s Miners Memorial Medical Center who provided him with outstanding compassionate care over the last 40 years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania 18252. (570) 668-2550.

Extended family and friends shall be received on Friday evening at the funeral home from 5 to 8:00 P.M.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday October 14, 2017 at 10 o'clock A.M. from St. John XXIII R.C.C. 266 West Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.

No Saturday morning calling.

Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, Pennsylvania will be private.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be forwarded to:
c/o Mrs. Kelly Cappos
915 Sunny Hill Lane
Harrisburg, PA 17111

online registry and condolences may be signed at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com