Nancy B. Cocchiola

1959 - 2025

Nancy B. Cocchiola
WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Nancy (Brennan) Cocchiola, age 66, of Waterbury, share the news of her peaceful passing on Sunday, September 7, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of Carmen Cocchiola her husband of 23 years.
Nancy was born February 12, 1959 in El Paso, Texas on an Army Base, the daughter of Francis and Mary (Sullivan) Brennan. At just two years old, she moved to Waterbury, where she would grow to become a lifelong resident, spreading warmth and kindness throughout her decades of service in her community. Nancy attended Bunker Hill Elementary School and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1977, where she not only excelled academically but also met her high school sweetheart, Carmen. Her career spanned various positions, from a bank teller, stay at home mom, working at Sears Department Store in the candy department, to being a dedicated paraprofessional at John F. Kennedy High School for 25 years. Nancy found great joy in cooking and was well- known for whipping up corned beef meals and Christmas bark for all her colleagues and students. She loved baking, particularly during the holidays, where her Christmas cookies became a beloved tradition and she delighted in working at the school swim meets, basketball and football games. Nancy was the consummate Mom always putting her children first, helping them with her creativity, constructing holiday costumes for her kids, capturing the joy of childhood with every stitch. Nancy loved spending time with her family, often seen by her kids side at various ballparks and stadiums. Nancy cherished the magic of the holiday season, decorating not one, but four Christmas trees to brighten the lives of those around her. She adored her three grandsons and her dog, Tucker, more than anything.
Nancy will be remembered for her generous spirit and the countless ways she touched on the lives of her children, family, friends, and students alike. May her legacy of love live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Rest in peace, Nancy. You will forever remain in our hearts.
Besides her parents, Francis and Mary, left to honor and cherish her memory are her children, Kaitlyn McGuigan and her husband James of Waterbury, Michael Cocchiola and his wife, Nicole of Simsbury and Nicholas Cocchiola of Waterbury, her grandsons, Benjamin, Andrew and Nathan, her siblings, Lisa Gunville and her husband David of Bridgton, Maine, Mark Brennan of Middlebury and Thomas Brennan and his wife Denise of Durham. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and many other extended family members.
Funeral services for Mrs. Cocchiola will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of her family. Relatives and friends are invited to pay respects and visit with Nancy's family on Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06705. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy, please visit the gift store on our website.