Obituary of John A Coccagnia

With great sorrow we announce the passing of John Anthony Coccagnia on Thursday, April 13, 2023, while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Rome, N.Y. on November 15, 1944, son of the late Joseph Sr. and Fannie Scalise Coccagnia. John attended Rome schools and graduated from Rome Free academy. On his birthday in 1975 he married Karen Facciolo in Rome. Along with his full-time job at CNY Psychiatric Center, John ran his own lawn care service. With his love for nature, he meticulously maintained many pristine lawns.  This would carry over to his own home.  John could often be seen watering his lawn, driveway and taking care of his property.

John cherished his Italian roots and was truly old school. Family traditions and bonds were his priority, and he always did his best to provide and protect. He loved pasta dinners every Sunday, and his house was always filled with family and friends. Countless hours were spent solving the world ‘s problems over coffee and dessert. John had a magnetic personality and was known for telling stories and making people laugh. His second home was O'Jay's Smoke Shop, playing scratch off lotto tickets with the guys. John had a love for music that was evident. It was a daily ritual that he would be serenading his wife with music from the ‘40s to the ‘60s.  Although he was not a veteran of war, John was a true warrior. For years he faced numerous illnesses with grace and courage with his wife, who diligently helped him every step of the way. John was a hero throughout these challenges, and he no longer suffers.

He leaves behind his loving wife Karen, the joys of his life; daughter Kimberly Coccagnia (Barry Donovan), son John Michael (Norma) Coccagnia; granddaughter Jalynn and grandson Dicaprio Anthony, sister-in-law Kathy (Frank) Russell; sister-in-law Joyce Coccagnia and brother-in-law Dexter Friede; as well as an aunt, Marilyn Scalise.  Also surviving is a cousin, Danny DeGeorge, who was like a brother to John; a best friend, Casey Czerwinski, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who were there to lend a helping hand, specifically, his sister-in-law Kathy, for always being there for him. John was predeceased by his two brothers, Joseph and Paul Coccagnia, sister and brother-in-law Clarice and John Burke Sr., and in-laws John and Frances Facciolo.

The family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Anwar and Dr. Emile Wassel for the compassion and care they showed him throughout the years.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St., Rome, N.Y. at 11:00 am, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. The family will receive friends at Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, prior to Mass. Private burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to Humane Society of Rome, Inc., P.O. Box 4572, Rome, N.Y. 13442-4572. 

Arrangements are by the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome.

To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.