Obituary of Tommaso Allocca

Tommaso Allocca, 90, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 14, 2024 with his loving family by his side.

Tommaso is survived by his daughter, Lina Allocca; one cherished granddaughter, Ella; two nieces, Lina Dworak & Patty Walters; one nephew, Fifino Allocca in Italy; two great-nephews, Christopher Allocca & Nicholas Allocca; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Adele “Rita” Allocca in 2019; three brothers, Raimondo, Gaetano & Antonio; two sisters, Maria & Carmela; and one nephew, Ralph Allocca.

Tommaso was born in Somma Vesuviana, Italy, to the late Rafaele Allocca and Pasqualina LoSapio-Allocca. He was the youngest of the six Allocca children, raised at the height of World War II and during the German occupation of Italy, events which would shape the rest of Tommaso’s life. The immeasurable value of family, faith and life were ingrained in Tommaso early on as a boy. After the war had ended Tommaso was happy to be able to attend school again and see the country slowly rebuild. As a young man, he served in the Italian Army in Florence.

Tommaso met his wife Adele “Rita” Allocca in Italy and they were married on December 4, 1965. He adored Rita and they were the perfect couple. They welcomed their daughter, Lina, into their new family and emigrated to the United States in 1971. Tommaso and Rita settled in Madison, NJ where his brother had been living for several years, as well as several extended family members and other Italian families from the same region. Tommaso truly lived the American dream and appreciated every opportunity that was given to him as a new citizen. He said many times that “I left my heart in Italy, but my hope was in America.” He never forgot his Italian culture and homeland, and returned many times to visit his family.

Before he retired, Tommaso worked for the Borough of Madison on the Road Department. He had a career over 30 years, improving the roads and infrastructure in Madison.

Tommaso’s life was devoted to his family. He was a wonderful father and devoted grandfather, treasuring his family and friends above all. Tommaso was an avid gardener who took great pride in his garden, and he loved playing bocce, being a longtime member of both the Forum Club and North Stars of Madison. Tommaso played Scopa, an Italian card game, on Sunday afternoons with his friends and he also enjoyed watching football.

Tommaso lived a beautiful life and leaves behind an incredible legacy, he has truly made his mark on the world. We all take comfort in knowing he is at peace and his work here is done.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Tommaso to be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

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