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What he specializes in, however, is shoes, though handbags are also a big part of his business. Men's and women's heels make up the bulk of his work.
The store has been in existence since 1952 when his father moved the business from New York's Bleecker Street. Ferrara took over in 1969, though said he worked years alongside his dad.
He said he thinks people like the old time nostalgic feel of the place and the fact that not much has changed (there's even an old cash register here!).
"We're family friendly," added his wife, Paulette. "They also know whatever they have, Dominick will try to fix it." (She stressed that he prefers shoe and purses to couches and dollheads.)
The store does a big mail order business - fixing Birkenstocks is a popular request -- along with the store's regular customers, many of which are generational just like Rocco's.
That includes a fair share of celebrity clients, among them actor Fred Gwynne who lived for a time in Tuxedo Park. Even after he moved away, Gwynee would often visit the area and stop in. (Ferrara remembers him as a friendly and modest customer.)
Rocco's Shoe Repair is at 90 Lafayette Ave.,(845) 357-5558.
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