Rocco Basile
Birth date1968
Birth placeNew York City, New York, U.S.
Death dateMarch 2022
Death placeNew York City, New York, U.S.
Alma materNew York University
OccupationReal estate developer · philanthropist
Known forFounder of Avo Construction
SpouseMissy Basile

Rocco Basile (1968–2022) was an American real estate developer and philanthropist. He was the founder of Avo Construction, a construction development firm based in Tribeca, New York City, and served for several years as chair of the board of the Brooklyn-based nonprofit, Children of the City.[1][2]

Early life and education

Basile was born in New York City. He graduated with honors from Xaverian High School in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, in 1986, and earned a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from New York University in 1990.[2]

Career

A second-generation New York real estate developer, Basile began his career at Basile Builders Group, a family-owned real estate development firm. By 2011, the firm had built more than thirty buildings in the New York City area.[2] He later founded Avo Construction as a successor to Basile Builders Group.[3][4]

Philanthropy

Basile served on the board of directors of Children of the City, a nonprofit based in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.[2] He was a member of the board for seven years and chaired it for the final four of those.[1] In 2008, the organization recognized him as a "Children's Champion" alongside former New York Giants player David Tyree.[4][5]

In addition to his work with Children of the City, Basile raised funds for children with special needs through the Joe DiMaggio Committee at Xaverian High School, supported ComALERT, a Kings County District Attorney's office program to help parolees re-enter the workforce and society, and worked with Safe Horizon, a victim assistance organization for survivors of domestic violence.[2]

Basile was also one of the founding board members of The Arthur Project, a Bronx-based therapeutic mentoring nonprofit serving middle-school students.[1]

Personal life

Basile was married to Missy Basile and had two daughters, Ava and Olivia, for whom Avo Construction was named.[2]

Award and recognition

On April 28, 2011, Basile received the Man of the Year Award from Reaching-Out Community Services at the organization's annual dinner and gala at Rex Manor in Brooklyn.[2] The same year, the New York State Senate adopted Legislative Resolution J1250, sponsored by State Senator Martin J. Golden, honoring Basile for his community service in Southwest Brooklyn and his work with Children of the City.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Board of Directors – In Memory of Rocco Basile". The Arthur Project
  2. ^ "Senate Resolution J1250 – Honoring Rocco Basile upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Man of the Year Award". New York State Senate. April 2011.
  3. ^ Covert, Colin (1 October 1995). "Game gurus could be major players: 'Rebel Moon' might make their 'virtual business' a virtual killing". Star Tribune. METRO ed. p. 01.E. (subscription required)
  4. ^ "Special salute to Children's champs". The Brooklyn Paper. May 19, 2008.
  5. ^ "Businessman, Super Bowl hero to share honor". New York Daily News. March 11, 2008.