Mary Cocco Obituary

COCCO, Mary Benedetto Cocco, Mary Benedetto Cocco, passed away in her sleep at home on Seabrook Island, S.C., on Wednesday, July 11, 2007. Born in Bridgeport 1911, the eldest of five children of Gaetano and Ersilla Benedetto, she celebrated her 96th. Birthday in February. In 1928 in Holy Rosary Church she was married to Dominick Cocco, former Deputy State Treasure of the State of Connecticut. Mary and Dominick shared a life of devotion to family, community service and philanthropy for 54 years until his death in 1983. Mary was active in the Sons of Italy's Stella Lodge, the Altar Guild of St. Raphael Church and St. Margaret Shrine and the International Institute. She also served on the board of Directors of the Bridgeport YMCA, as a Girl Scout leader, and as a Red Cross volunteer. She moved to South Carolina in 1997 where she was a communicant at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was known as the Hat Lady because she attended Mass each Sunday wearing one of her elegant signature hats. She is survived by two daughters, Elsie Easterbrook, with whom she made her home on Seabrook Island, and Virginia Simpson, of Greenville, S.C. a son, Bridgeport physician Dr. Thomas B. D. Cocco. Nanna was adorned by her seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; as well as a sister, Nicolina Sabatelli of Southbury; and a brother, Ralph Benedetto of Bridgeport. A funeral was held on July 18, 2007 at St. Raphael's Church, Oak Street, Bridgeport, CT. A Memorial Mass will take place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, John's Island, S.C. on Saturday July 28th. at 12 noon. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations are made to Palmetto Health Hospice, 1815 Old Charlie Road, Summerville, S.C. 29485 in honor of Mrs. Mary Cocco. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.