Friday, April 12, 2024

So sorry to hear of Rocco's passing. My deepest condolences to the entire Iossa Family. RIP, Rocco!

Arie Galles posted a condolence

Saturday, March 9, 2024

I just started to teach at FDU, while still living in NYC, and one late evening I spotted the sign for Frank’ Pizza. I walked in and was greeted warmly by Rocco. I found a home in Madison and cemented a friendship with Rocco. He was kind and greatly generous in his friendship over the 32 years I lived in town. Even after I moved to California, on every return to Madison, stopping over at his restaurant was the first thing I would do. He will be missed greatly by me, and by so many to whom he was a friend. Rest in peace my friend.

George Larson posted a condolence

Friday, January 12, 2024

Rocco was a kind, gentle man. I used to see him at the gym a lot, and he always had a kind word to say. He clearly loved his children and his wife. He talked about his wife in the middle of last year when we met at the gym. Clearly, his heart was broken. I will miss his smile and kind words---and his love of soccer, that he shared often when we saw each other. I am sure his will carry on his legacy. Peace to his family. George Larson

Anthony A Piccolo posted a condolence

Monday, January 8, 2024

Hello to all in the Iossa family. My name is Anthony Piccolo. I was hired by Frank and Rocco in 1968, at my age 15, to make pizza alongside them at the skinny little restaurant on Park Ave. Rocco always told everyone I was the "cleanest" worker he ever had. We worked many late nights together, or sometimes just me alone. His dad would always show up at midnight closing time to protect me as he collected the till. I met my very first girlfriend there at age 16. She came in one dinner hour with her dad to pick up an order. Waiting in the glass door entrance way, she stood staring over other patrons shoulders in the crowded space. To my delight, I found out later she'd been checking me out! Rocco always treated us royally. My closest friend, Chas Ricci, would come hang out with me, Anonymous girls would ring the Frank's Pizzeria phone to tease and tantalize us... we never found out who they were. Chas and I had great laughs w/Rocco and his friend Chi Chi. Multiple new Italian immigrants would invade North Street (and they still do) and they'd come to Rocco's to socialize. They would ask me to interpret language, so I'd teach them English word by word. Now I need them to teach me the Italian I've forgotten. Every time Rocco and I saw each other it was "kisses and hugs" (Yes, Italian men still give respectful kisses to Italian men!) Rocco and I have been friends for 55 years. So Rocco, if you can see these words... I love you, and I will always miss you, dal mio cuore.

Max Dolcelli Posted Jan 9, 2024 at 4:04 PM

I worked there around that time as well, me and Bobby Caseno (tic Tock). Made a lot of pizzas all those years. Yes his dad Sal came in every night and also drove the pizza truck to Drew to sell slices. Rocco was one of the very best. I’ll Miss our conversations.

John McCarthy posted a condolence

Saturday, January 6, 2024

Gino, Joey, Rocky, Angela: So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. Every time I saw your Dad, he was always so kind and nice to me. He always had a smile on his face. He always asked me how my family was doing. He was such a great family man. I never got a chance to pass on my condolences on the passing of your Mom and your brother Sal. Your Mom was always very nice and kind to me. I used to love when Sal would come down the street to play with us all (The McCarthy's, Tobin's, Ward's, Cocozza's, Pedrazzi's). Sal had a great personality and was a lot of fun. He would always make all of our time together better when he was there. I miss your family and that time. It seems like it was yesterday. The memories of your family will always be in my heart. I wanted to leave you with some verses from the Bible to bring comfort to you all: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 If I wasn't so far away(Charlotte,NC), I would have come to the viewing and service to give you all my condolences in person. I will continue to be praying for you all. God bless you all. Sincerely, John McCarthy

Dawn Bridy lit a candle

Saturday, January 6, 2024

We called him Uncle Rocco.. he had the biggest heart! Definitely my favorite customer..and Dad's too! Love you lots uncle Rocco and thank you!

Rob McCarthy posted a condolence

Friday, January 5, 2024

Joey, Rocco, Angela, and Gino, I'm so sorry and sad to hear about the loss of your Dad Mr. Rocco Iossa who was such a friendly, warm-hearted, nice, kind, caring, humble, and good man that always had a big smile on his face whenever I would come in to Rocco's to pick up a Pizza back in the 1980's and 1990's. Your Dad and all of you would always ask me how I was doing and how my family was doing and your Dad and all of you always welcomed me and made me feel like Family which I always appreciated so much! I always loved talking with your Dad and Mom as well as with Joey, Gino and Angela who were working there too as well as Rocco whenever I would see him. All of the Iossa's have always had a special place in my heart and I have always loved the Iossa Family which has always been a true and great example to me on what a close loving Family is supposed to look like and be. This world would be a much better place if we had more Families like the Iossa's. When we lived on Afton Drive a few houses down from you in the 1970's and early 1980's, I got to know Salvatore pretty well because we would play a lot of basketball together in my driveway at my house and we would play backyard baseball games with our neighbors. I always loved Sal and hanging out with him. He was special and such a good person and I'm sure your Dad, Mom, and Sal are reunited with each other now in heaven and are filled with with great joy and love of seeing one another once again. I remember going to the original Frankie's/Rocco Pizzeria Location on Park Ave with my Mom on a Friday night way back in 1972 when I was only 7 and Mr. Iossa must have only been 29 or 30 years old and I remember telling my Mom that I really like Mr. Iossa and that he is such a nice guy!. That seemed like just yesterday, time surely flies by, The last time I saw your Dad and Mom was back in November of 1998 when my Mom got married and it was so great seeing them again! Your Mom and Dad still looked the same and they were still the same wonderful good people that they had always been. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joey, Rocco, Angela, Gino, and the rest of the Iossa Family during this very difficult time of losing your Dad who was the best and such a good man! May all of the warm memories of your Dad as well as your Mom and Sal live on in your hearts and give your strength and may God's Love for you help sustain you. I have lived in Atlanta, GA since 1992 and the rest of the McCarthy Family lives in Charlotte, NC but the next time I come to NJ, the first place that I will visit will be Rocco's Restaurant in Madison so I can see the Iossa Family who I really miss! God Bless the Iossa Family and Love Always, Rob McCarthy (Atlanta, GA)

Jackie Love posted a condolence

Friday, January 5, 2024

My deepest condolences to the Iossa family. I can remember moving to Madison in 1960 and Frank and Rocco were opening the pizzeria on Park Avenue. I believe I was their first customer! I always reminded Rocco of that!! Over the years, and eating "too" much pizza, we developed a friendship that was special. He was a funny, kind and a giving person. I will miss him and our joking around every time we saw each other. He was a "giant" in Madison!

Carolyn Reissfelder posted a condolence

Friday, January 5, 2024

I never met him but work with his son Gino. My good friend. This obituary is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever read and clearly a tribute to who Rocco was. It so abundantly clear he loved his family but was also very good to his community. What a gift. May he rest in peace.

stephanie zecca lit a candle

Thursday, January 4, 2024

May the peace that passes all understanding be with you today and always…. We remember all the Bocci expertise Rocco had. Great part of the club and community. Love in our hearts,., The Zecca Family

Robin DiLauri Posted Jan 4, 2024 at 10:21 PM

I will never forget his smile and how he loved to laugh. He was such a special man making everyone around him feel his warm and genuine heart. He will truly be missed. There will never be another Rocco! My sincere condolences to the entire Iossa family. I can picture him now in Heaven laughing with his cousin Cheech!

Chris Mallette lit a candle

Thursday, January 4, 2024

I am praying for the family. Rocco was an iconic figure. He was one of the first coaches I remember from my childhood. And yes - he loved soccer. He loved his players more though. Countless pizza parties. Throughout college returning to the restaurant and he always treated me like a hero and he was so kind to my mother, always asking about me and my siblings. Always made you feel like family. He was an early example of a family man for me. I am grateful to have known him.

Gene McCarthy lit a candle

Thursday, January 4, 2024

As the eldest of the 4 McCarthy kids who grew up in Florham Park on Afton Drive just a few houses down from the Iossa clan, it is with much sadness and fond memories not just of your father, but for all of you, that has inspired my outreach at this difficult time for your family. I’m guessing a few decades have gone by without there being any interaction between our family members, but that doesn’t matter at this point in time. What matters is that your father and each and every one of you is remembered by the McCarthy’s. What matters are the memories that were forged on Afton Drive and adjoining streets involving many different families. I‘m often known for saying that I have one vice in life and that is pizza, and I have your father Rocco to thank for that. The intimacy, commotion and smells of that small pizza storefront in Madison from the 60’s is hardwired into my sensory recall. Who can ever forget the introduction of Pizza Day at Holy Family School? Not just any pizza, your father’s pizza! Fast forward to the early 80’s when Rocco’s restaurant hosted my Italian grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. So many memories from such a great era of time, a much simpler time that is sorely missed. On behalf of my father and mother including Kerry, Robert and John, please know that we are thinking of you guys during this difficult time. Lean on those positive memories to sustain you in the weeks and months to come. Gene “Mooch” McCarthy Charlotte, NC

Marylou McCarthy posted a condolence

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Rocco and Janet were hard working parents who parented well . I lived a few houses from theirs . As each child came of age they helped out in some way in their parents business . In case you thought that the children missed out in any way in their lives they did not . They were on a different time schedule . One memory I had that delighted me was to see the whole family pass our house riding their bicycles at 11:30 at night ! So they worked together and played together . If you did not want to work at the restaurant but aspired to do something else like one son who became a lawyer . The whole family was so easy to love . I just wished after all the hard work Janet and Rocco could have relaxed and watch their family grow . Iossa family , stay close , families like yours can make the world a better place .love Marylou McCarthy

Giovanni posted a condolence

Thursday, January 4, 2024

I ricordi più belli che abbiamo sono insieme a te, Mena, Luigi,Giovanni, Angela. I nipoti di Marigliano

Max Dolcelli posted a condolence

Thursday, January 4, 2024

I spent my high school years working for Rocco at the original pizzeria on Park ave. I loved Rocco he was always very kind and generous. He helped me get through some though years. I will miss him and miss our Conversations.

Sharon posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Dear Joe and Gino and whole Iossa family - we have fond memories of all the great pizza and chats at Rocco's over 30+ years in Madison. Your dad - and mom - were always so nice and welcoming. Thinking of you all. - Sharon B and family

Bruce and Mary (DeBiasse) Oliver lit a candle

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

We express our heartfelt condolences to the Iossa family on their loss. Rocco had been a part of our lives for more than 50 years. We celebrated countless family events at his restaurant, and almost every Friday night, we would pick up pizza for dinner. He always welcomed us with a warm smile. He will be greatly missed. Bruce and Mary (DeBiasse) Oliver

Diane Mann lit a candle

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Rocco served on the YMCA Board in 2010 when I was recruited to come to Madison for my job at the Y. I met Rocco during my interview and from that day he was a wonderful friend to Dennis and me as newcomers to the Madison community. Rocco always made us feel welcome in his wonderful restaurant and throughout the community. Through his work with the Forum Club, Rocco was instrumental in establishing and building a partnership between the Club and the YMCA, working on charitable projects to benefit the Y's wellness programs. Rocco contributed his time and talents and many wonderful meals for the annual charity Bocce Tournament, hosted by the Forum Club and benefitting the Y. We especially remember Rocco's work with Carmine Toto Jr. to host the Forum Club's wonderful Valentine's Dance for many years. Rocco's community leadership also included being an active YMCA member and a loyal Rotarian. Dennis and I, and many staff and members of our YMCA, will always treasure the memory of Rocco's hospitality, generosity, caring and friendship. He will be deeply missed, and always cherished.

Sharon Matyus Newbill lit a candle

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Condolences to the Iossa family & sending our deepest sympathy in your time of loss. Rocco & his family were former Madison neighbors of ours, when growing up & he was such a kind & friendly man! Frank’s Pizzeria was the absolute best & we have the fondest memories of enjoying them - as often as we could! RIP Rocco, an upstanding human being, great family man, wonderful Madison entrepreneur and a friend who treated his neighbors & customers like family!

Teresa Nigro lit a candle

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

From childhood to adulthood Rocco has been a presence in my life. I remember my early years, born and raised in his “brick building” on North Street. I remember as a young girl visiting with his beautiful mother and father at their home on Ridgedale. I remember my first job waitressing at his pizzeria. I remember his beautiful wife Janet and all his wonderful children. I remember Sal. I will always remember I learned about true friendship by watching the deep and everlasting brotherhood exchanged between Rocco and my own father Rocco. Dear Rocco, the Rocco Nigro Family loves and misses you. My thoughts and prayers are with Rocco and his Family. Teresa Nigro of North Street

Mary Ann Olivieri lit a candle

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Rocco was an icon in this town. Known and loved by many. My neighbor these last few years. I will miss seeing him

Marie Toto lit a candle

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Iossa family. I will miss Rocco a great deal. He was the best bocce shooter . Rocco won first place in many a tournament but best place I. All of our hearts. May he rest in peace. Marie Toto

Mario Testa posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

To all the Iossa family, Our deepest sympathy, he will be missed. Mario and Joan Testa

The family of Rocco Iossa uploaded a photo

Monday, January 1, 2024

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