Philip J Cocco

Philip J. Cocco, III, 71, of Springfield, formerly of Orange, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026.

Phil was a 1972 Graduate of Our Lady of Valley High School where he made a core group of life long friends that are still close to this day. He received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University - Newark with a BA in Urban Studies. Phil then went on to complete his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers - Newark in 1992. Phil was a life long learner and was always so inquisitive whether it was current events or the New York Yankees line up.

Growing up in the 1950’s and 1960’s Phil embodied the spirit of the era. Inspired by President Kennedy’s New Frontier, Phil worked tirelessly to bring about change through a lifelong involvement in our civic conversation. He was involved in countless campaigns on the local, County and State levels during the 1970’s and 1980’s. His unyielding determination to get out the vote helped to bring change and embrace the future with hope, fostering a sense of empowerment for the young and old alike. Throughout his life, Phil mentored many younger members of the community, trying to instill a responsibility to get involved and helping them find their path in life. For many years Phil did this with students from the VoTech of Essex and Union Counties. 

Later on, Phil would use that passion with his nephews and niece, and then with his great nieces and nephews. He always took a keen interest in what they were up to; speaking with them about their interests, what was important to them. He never treated them as children but as valued individuals. This is a memory they’ll cherish forever.

His other passion was his love of music, the greatest artist of the generation that changed it all. Phil’s taste was eclectic; it just had to be good. Dylan, the Beatles, the Stones, Springsteen, Aretha, Marvin Gaye and the list goes on. You never knew what sound was going to come careening down from the third floor on Berkeley Road, but you knew it was going to be great. Phil’s influence extended to his younger siblings, who have passed on his love of music to their children. And so the soundtrack of a generation lives on.

Dear brother of Karen Cocco, Jeffrey Cocco, Stephen Cocco and his wife Cathy, and his sister-in-law Beth Cocco.  Cherished Uncle of Stephen Jr, his wife Nicole, Christopher, his wife Jamie, Ryan, his wife Morgan, Michael Jr. and Molly.  Loving Great-Uncle of Giuliana, Gemma, Giovanni, Roman and Penelope.  Also survived by many cousins and friends. 

Philip was pre-deceased by his parents Isabel and Philip Cocco, Jr., his brother Michael Cocco and his brother in law Edward Cerny.

A  memorial visitation will be held at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc. in Florham Park on Friday, January 16th from 4-7pm.  The memorial funeral mass will be held at Holy Family Church in Florham Park on Saturday, January 17th at 11am, followed by the inurnment at Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Philip’s name to Seton Hall University Baseball or your favorite charity.

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/68058/donations/new?a=11222112

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