Judith Ann Cocchiaro

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Judith A. Cocchiaro, beloved wife for 43 years to James M. Cocchiaro, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, after a long illness. Judy was born in 1944 to her parents, Michael and Josephine Cichetta (deceased) of Altoona, PA.  She is survived by her husband, Jim; her children: Joseph M. Cocchiaro (Lisa), Theresa M. Rome (Charles), and stepson Robert J. Cocchiaro (Annette); her grandchildren: Madison, Dominic, Alexander, Julianna, Lena, Alyssa, and Charlie; her brother Michael Cichetta (Janet); her very good friend, Angie Thomas, and an extended family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Judy grew up in Altoona, PA and graduated from Bishop Guilfoil Catholic High School in 1962.  She later moved to Maryland and worked in the engineering department at the C&P Telephone Company (now Verizon) as a project draftsperson. In 1968, she met her husband, Jim. They were married in 1977 and raised their children in Bowie, MD.  After their first child was born, Judy chose to be a stay at home mom.  She loved her children with all her heart.  She worked tirelessly day in and day out to take care of them and their home and did volunteer work at their schools. Judy was a very special person, as she always put others before herself.  She would look after neighborhood children until their parents came home from work or give them a ride to school if they missed their bus.  And she could always be counted on to take family members to the doctors.  She was a loving, caring person who will be missed by many.

The family will receive friends at the Sacred Heart Church 16501 Annapolis Road,  Bowie, MD 20715, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 10am to 12pm.  Immediately following the viewing, a mass of Christian Burial will take place from 12pm to 1pm.  Masks are required while inside the church. Due to the Covid pandemic, a private burial will take place at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery the following week. Also because of the pandemic, we won’t be having a gathering to celebrate her life until the spring or summer when we can have it outside safely. 

Please do not send flowers as we prefer donations to be made in her name to St. Jude’s Hospital or to Sacred Heart Church. Furthermore, this is Lent and the church cannot handle additional flowers.