Joseph E. Persico

Joseph Edward Persico (July 19, 1930 – August 30, 2014) was an author and American military historian. From 1974 to 1977, he was primary speechwriter to Vice President Nelson Rockefeller. At the time of his death, he lived in Guilderland, New York. His book Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial tells the story of the Nuremberg Trials; it was adapted for television as the docudrama Nuremberg.

Early life Joseph Edward Persico was born in Gloversville, New York, on July 19, 1930, to Thomas Persico and Bianca Perrone. In 1952 he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science from the New York State College for Teachers (now the University at Albany). Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served as a Lieutenant (junior grade) aboard a minesweeper and also worked at NATO Headquarters Naples, Italy.

Political career After three years, he left the Navy and joined Governor W. Averell Harriman as a writer and researcher. In 1960, Persico joined the United States Information Agency working in Argentina, Brazil, and Washington as a Foreign Service Officer.

From 1963 until 1966, he served as Executive Assistant to the New York State Health Commissioner and in 1966 became the chief speechwriter for then Governor of New York Nelson A. Rockefeller. He remained Rockefeller's primary speechwriter throughout the latter's vice presidency. He was buried at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville, New York.

Personal life He was married to Sylvia Palma LaVista and they had two daughters.