Robert Carmine Cocchi’s Obituary

Died Sunday, October 1, 2023

Robert Carmine Cocchi, 82, originally of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY, died at his home in Monroe, GA, after a 3 year battle with brain cancer on Sunday, October 1st, 2023.

Lovingly known to all as Bob, he was born on September 7th, 1941 to Rose Valluzzi Cocchi and John Cocchi. He met his wife, Valerie LaFerla,  as a high school teenager. They had three children and moved to Staten Island, where they spent the next 24 years.

He was a loving father, who worked tirelessly as a New York City police officer,  NYC Police Detective, and a contractor, and a small business owner to provide for his wife and three children. And when he wasn’t working he made time for his family and friends.

Family and friends were an important part of his life. He loved spending time with his and his wife’s extended families. In addition he valued every moment spent with his close friends.

He retired from the NYC Police Department and moved to Lackawaxen PA. He and his wife lived in Masthope Mountain Community for 30 years.  He  became Lieutenant in charge of Pike County Correctional Facility during the night shift.  Bob spent almost 30 years as a volunteer treasurer and volunteer president of the Lackawaxen Township Volunteer Fire Department. In addition he was elected Lackawaxen Township Supervisor.

He was a classic car enthusiast, co-owner of  a ‘48 Ford with his brother, Frank. He and his brother, his sons and his brother-in-law, Eddie, lovingly brought the car back to life. When living in Pennsylvania, he was a member of the Renegades, a classic car club. From April through October, he and his wife would drive his ‘55 Oldsmobile Rocket Super 88 to car shows winning many trophies.

He enjoyed reading and watching police dramas, murder mysteries and action packed fictional texts, making puzzles, and using his hands to build numerous projects many of which made life easier for his family.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Valerie LaFerla Cocchi, and his three children Robert Jr., Lisa and Michael,  Robert’s spouse, Kathy, and Michael’s spouse, Nina.  As well as his grandchildren, Chloe, Michaela, Lucas and Carmine:  Chloe’s husband Fred and their daughter (Bob’s great-granddaughter) Peyton, and Michaela’s husband, Sam.  And his extended family: step-grandchildren, Josette Zaragoza, husband Bobby, and their son Alonzo, Naz Taylor, Mirelle Hughes and husband Nic, and Lynesse. He is also survived by his younger brother Frank, wife Gloria, and nephews Christopher, wife Diane and Stephen.

A wake will be held at Harrison Rasmussen Funeral Home of Barryville, NY Friday, October 6th from 7 to 9pm and Saturday, October 7th from 9am to 12pm. A funeral mass will be held at 12:30pm at St Ann’s Catholic Church of Shohola, PA. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s cemetery in Shohola, PA. The mass will be live streamed.