Obituary of Florence A. Cocino

Florence A. Cocino (née Parella), a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024, with her family by her side. She was 99 years old and just weeks away from what would have been her 100^th birthday.

Florence is survived by her daughter, Patricia Kreitler and her husband Frank of Morristown; and cherished grandchildren Tara Kreitler, Morristown and Jonathan Kreitler, Mesa AZ; several beloved nieces and nephews as well as extended family members and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Alphonse; son Robert, brothers Nicholas, Robert, Joseph, and sister Norma. 

Florence was born in Morristown NJ to the late Nicholas and Clementine Parella. She was raised in Morristown, attended Morristown High School and was a member of Saint Margaret’s parish. After high school, she worked in the office of M. Epstein until she married and started a family. She is proud that three generations; her mother, Clementine, as well as daughter, Patricia, worked for the M. Epstein organization.  

Florence married her beloved husband Alphonse in 1946 and the couple settled in Madison NJ where they raised their family and Al worked in his family business C & C Motors. She was proud to call Madison her home for 78 years.

Florence loved her family and especially treasured the time spent with her grandchildren. Spoiling them was her greatest joy in life. In addition to spending time with family, Florence enjoyed an active social life and dear friends became her extended family. She enjoyed playing bridge and Mah Jong, traveling to NYC for Broadway shows and volunteering with local organizations. She happily supported all community endeavors, but most near and dear to her was the Thursday Morning Club, of which she was a longtime member.

The parish of St. Vincent Martyr always held a special place in Florence’s heart. More than simply a place for worship, Florence found there a sense of community and spiritual nourishment as well as the opportunity to build lifelong friendships.

Florence was a remarkable lady who touched the lives of those around her with kindness and warmth. She will be remembered for her generosity and the enduring love she shared with family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Burroughs, Kohr & Danger Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Florence will be celebrated on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison NJ. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass may be viewed virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions to Watch Mass Live.

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Florence’s memory to the Thursday Morning Club-Madison Community House, 25 Cook Avenue Madison NJ 07940