Frank Joseph Cocuzza

Frank Joseph Cocuzza, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Oradell, New Jersey, on May 10, 2025. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Tina Segali; devoted daughter, Francesca, son-in-law, Nico Gurian, and granddaughter, Isabel; cherished brother Charles and his wife, Rosalind; and loving sister Anne and her husband, Jeffrey Sabloff. He is also survived by his dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, eleven nieces and nephews, and treasured friends from all the phases of his life. Born October 19, 1942, in Newark, New Jersey, to Charles A. Cocuzza and Grace Cocuzza (née Valente), Frank was the second of three children. Frank graduated from Irvington High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Upsala College, and went on to earn a master’s degree. A natural born educator, Frank began his career teaching English at Memorial High School in West New York, New Jersey. His 20-year tenure there was interrupted only by two years of honorable service in the U.S. Army. Upon returning to Memorial, he established himself as a singular presence in the English Department and, for a time, served as president of the local teachers’ union. Frank’s commitment to organized labor led him to the second chapter of his career as a field representative for the New Jersey Education Association, where he spent the next 20 years advocating for public school teachers in the state. Ever curious, multi-talented, and fair-minded, he later entered a third chapter in his career as a mediator and arbitrator, a position he held for a decade and for which he garnered deep respect from all parties who appeared before him. Frank was one-of-a-kind—a man equally happy discussing a scene from Hamlet as he was watching his beloved Yankees or tinkering on a project at his workbench or in his backyard. As a teacher, he had a unique ability to bring works of literature to life, and he often ran into former students who would recall the profound impact he had made on their lives. He was passionate in the face of injustice and was not afraid to say so. Perhaps no better example was his campaign for public office in West New York in 1979 against an entrenched incumbent politician. Frank lost, but his point was made. Frank was an avid golfer and experienced many hours of joy on the golf course with his brother, son-in-law, nephews, and close friends—cigar in hand and a joke at the ready. He traveled extensively throughout Italy and elsewhere on trips that will forever remain a source of treasured memories for his family and friends who joined him. Frank was also a gifted storyteller, both around the dinner table and, later in life, on paper, having authored a collection of short stories drawing from his life experiences and exploring issues of class, politics, friendship, and family. Frank married Tina in 1983, and they welcomed their daughter, Francesca, in 1989. Frank was Tina’s constant companion and North Star; he made her and Francesca laugh and feel his love every day. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 2-6 pm at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road in Oradell, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Labor Museum, a museum close to Frank’s heart for which he served as trustee and Vice President of the Board, and which is dedicated to preserving the history of workers and the labor movement. For more information or to visit Frank's tribute page, please visitwww.volkleber.com