Robert R. Coccaro, 83, of Danbury, CT, a former 30 year resident of New Fairfield, CT, passed away on Monday, August 27, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Regina (Cesareo) Coccaro.
Robert was born in New York City on June 1, 1935, the son of the late Peter J. and Adeline (Gelardi)
Coccaro. He graduated from LaSalle Academy in NYC and Fordham University in the Bronx, NY.
Robert served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957, based at Fort Jay on Governors Island, NY and Fort Belvoir, VA, where he was part of the Army Corps of Engineers. Robert was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Robert worked as a mechanical engineer for the Nestle Company for over 30 years, during which time he traveled the country designing their coffee and chocolate plants.
In 1967 Robert organized a competing color guard at Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford, NY called the Raiderettes. From that accomplishment, Robert, an avid trumpet player, founded and directed the Westchester Horizon Junior Drum and Bugle Corps which grew to include over 150 teenagers. The corps traveled extensively throughout the tri-state area marching in 100’s of parades and competing in many field competitions. Robert served as both choreographer and horn instructor. He accomplished all of this from his heart because of his love of music and his belief that children who were kept busy would stay on a positive path.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Regina (Cesareo); 7 children: Diane (Steve) Kolenda, Loretta (Carl) Lachman, Jeanine (Nick) Cosentino, Robert (Donna) Coccaro, Stephanie Coccaro, Melissa (John) Arizzi and Michael Coccaro. His 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild and 1 brother, Peter Coccaro.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at St. Peter Church, Danbury, with the Rev. Gregg Mecca, Pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury.
Friends will be received from 4pm-8pm on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western CT., 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810.
For further information or to express your condolences on line, go to www.thegreenfuneralhome.com
