Obituary: Domenic Ralph Cocchia Jr., 74, Of Norwalk

Information via Collins Funeral Home

Domenic Ralph Cocchia, Jr., age 74, died peacefully on August 13, 2023 at The Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends.

Domenic was born on September 16, 1948 in The Norwalk Hospital to the late Domenic R. and Mary (Palmer) Cocchia. He was predeceased by his brother, Ralph Cocchia. He is survived by his sister-in-law Sharon Cocchia, his brother Frank Cocchia, sister-in-law Julie Cocchia, sister Mary Ann Cocchia Szatkowski, brother-in-law Thomas Szatkowski, twin brother Peter Cocchia, sister-in-law Mary Cocchia, nieces Maria, Francesca and Anna, nephews Dominic, Thomas, Patrick and Peter, Jr., grandnephew Dominic, grandnieces Nina and Alessandra, as well as numerous cousins.

A lifelong resident of Norwalk, CT, Domenic attended Norwalk Public Schools and then Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1966. In 1965, Domenic's Central Catholic High School football team won the State class B football championship. After high school, Domenic attended Hofstra University and University of Dayton, receiving a Bachelor's degree in English literature in 1970. For graduate school, Domenic attended Pennsylvania State University where he received a Master's degree in English literature and developed a lifelong love for the writings of Charles Dickens.

Upon graduation from graduate school, Domenic taught English at Norwalk High School for about five years before leaving teaching to become a well-known and noted restaurateur. He began his restaurant career at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Norwalk. He then successfully operated the Oaks Tavern at the Norwalk Golf Course, implementing several innovations that attracted customers of all ages. Upon becoming one of the owners of the prestigious Cobbs Mill Inn in Weston, Domenic diligently served as the operating partner for about 25 years, establishing and maintaining the high standards of fine dining that Cobbs Mill Inn was famous for. His experience with fine cuisine was also something he took home with him, impressing his family and friends with his culinary and baking skills.

After retiring from Cobbs Mill Inn, Domenic returned to teaching as a very popular substitute teacher at Brien McMahon and Norwalk High Schools.

Domenic's passion was his classic sailboat Enchanta. He sailed her extensively in Long Island Sound, on the US East coast from Maine to Florida and even in a well-known sailboat race to Bermuda.

We will fondly remember Domenic's wisdom and quick wit, which brought light and depth to our lives.

A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 2, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Norwalk Hospital Foundation.