Obituary of Peter W. Cocuzza

Peter W. Cocuzza, a longtime Madison resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the age of 88.

Peter is survived by his two daughters, Donna Wesbecker and her husband Kevin & Kimberly Brodeur and her husband Christopher; five cherished grandchildren, Brooke, Chloe, Lauren, Jonathan & Thea; one sister, Marilyn DiGiacomo and her husband Rocco; one sister-in-law, Margaret DeBiasse; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy Ann Cocuzza in 2022; and his brother, Robert Cocuzza.

Born in 1938 in Newark, New Jersey, Peter was the beloved son of the late Peter J. and Mary Cocuzza. He was raised in Newark and later in Livingston, where his family moved when he was young. A proud alumnus of Seton Hall University in South Orange, Peter carried with him the values of faith, hard work, and community throughout his life. He also honorably served in the United States Army Reserve.

On March 8, 1975, Peter married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Cocuzza. Together they built a beautiful life in Madison, where they raised their two daughters and shared 46 devoted years of marriage before Dorothy’s passing in 2022. Their home was one filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering love.

Peter was the definition of a devoted family man.

Faith was a cornerstone of Peter’s life. As a longtime parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church, he lived his beliefs quietly but deeply, guided by gratitude, kindness and steadfast devotion to those he loved.

Peter enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, especially when shared with family. When his daughters were young, he delighted in teaching them new sports and encouraging them in all they pursued. Sundays often meant gathering together to watch football, creating traditions that would last for generations. He especially treasured family vacations to Point Pleasant Beach, where summers were spent walking the boardwalk and making memories that his children and grandchildren will forever hold close to their hearts.

A skilled and dedicated electrician, Peter had a long and accomplished career. He spent nearly three decades at Varityper in East Hanover before retiring. His talent, strong work ethic, and reliability earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.

Peter’s greatest legacy is the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered for his steady presence, his gentle strength, and the deep pride he took in his family. Though he will be profoundly missed, his spirit lives on in the lives he shaped and the memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles.

May he rest in eternal peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Peter on Sunday, March 29, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

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

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, P.O. Box 159, 575 Woodland Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940.