John A. Coccomo Jr.

John Anthony Coccomo Jr., 75, died among family and friends at home on February 2, 2025. He was born on March 2, 1949 in New Britain, Connecticut to John Anthony Coccomo Sr. and Harriet (Barry) Coccomo. He was predeceased by both parents. John was a devoted son and loyal eldest brother to four siblings, Barry, Carmelo, Dean and Kimberly. John's teenage years were spent in Windsor where he had many friends who he remained committed to his entire life. John attended Loomis Chaffee school and was a graduate of Windsor High. He attended two years of college at Northeastern University, but found Boston was too far from home and his siblings who he remained close to his whole life as a mentor and friend. Just two years ago he held his mother's hand as she took her last breath. John was married to Barbara (Shuler) Coccomo for 54 years and were parents of John Anthony Coccomo III and Emily (Coccomo) Walsh. John and Barbara created a love filled home devoted to family, friends and adventuring. This ethic was passed on to their six grandchildren, Madison, Dylan and Nina Coccomo, and Broden, Waylund, and Honora Walsh. "Pop-pop", as he was known to his grandchildren, wore many hats during his life, with great impact to anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. He was Administrator of the family business, and a builder and developer providing homes for families in Connecticut. John was also a captain many times over as the owner of several sailing and fishing vessels. He knew the waters of Long Island Sound and its tributaries including the Connecticut River up "as far as you could take a boat", as well as sailing the Caribbean. John pursued many hobbies that expressed his love for living - and living well. He loved the Red Sox, hats, good music, good shoes, good food, dancing, hidden waterfalls, fishing for striper and watching hummingbirds. John and Barb loved to spend time together, especially taking rides to the beach, visiting cool places for lunch and strolling Elizabeth Park. Upon retiring, John devoted time piloting for the Mystic Seaport Museum and working for Santa Clause on the Essex Steam Train North Pole Express. In retirement, he continued to impact everyone he came to meet with a sparkle in his eyes, an infectious smile and easy laugh. He befriended young and old as if he had known you as a best friend all his life. John was a sailor and captain. Nautical charts brought him to sea and guided him safely home many times, both with knowledge of the tides and sometimes with little more than luck. There is no chart showing the hidden channels below the surface of one's life, but John navigated them well with the simple knowledge to hold friends close and family closer. Perhaps this Irish Proverb says it best: There are good ships, and there are wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships, are friendships, and may they always be. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at The Arch Street Tavern in Hartford from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers charitable donations can be made to Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John A. Coccomo Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.