Inc. 1967
Ernest P. Monessen Chamber executive director Ernest P. of 1116 Maple died March in Mercy following an illness of three weeks. He was born July in a son of the late Domenick and Mary Arabia Coccari. Ernest Coccari was known as a "virtual walking encyclopedia" on the history and heritage of Monessen. That point was made in 1989 when he was honored as "Man of the Year" by the Monessen Chamber of Commerce for his "dedication,service and community pride." In 1995,he was honored as "Man of the Year" by the Monessen Community Development Corporation,receivng numerous citations and awards from State Sen. J. Barry State Stout, State Rep. Herman Mihalich and the Mon Valley Initiative. His service to the City of Monessen was exemplified for many years in his role as a businessman - first as an employee and then later as the owner-operator of the automobile dealership that carried his family's name. Coccari was also well-known to anyone and everyone who enjoyed the sounds of Big Band music. While his vocation in the automotive business may have dominated his career efforts for many years,his love of music and bands served as an avocation that certainly proved to be a labor of love, and a love of that labor. He began performing professionally as a musician in 1936 with the late Frankie (Lombardo) Barr and his orchestra. In 1988,he spearheaded an effort to hold a public tribute to the late Mr. Barr at Cedar Creek Park in Rostraver Township. Coccari was educated in the Monessen public schools,graduating from Monessen High School with the Class of 1928. In the Black and White,the MHS yearbook,his interests in entertainment were duly noted;member of the school band and orchestra for three years. He had also participated in the operetta and the senior play. Another notation under Coccari's senior photo called attention to his nickname "Pomp" and the quotation,"A man must not go to law because the musician keeps false time with his foot." As a young Coccari worked at the auto dealership ( Ford Motor Company) owned and operated by his uncle,Carmine Coccari,at 822 Donner Ave., Monessen. He began that career by sweeping floors and washing cars but ensuingly began working as a mechanic. Working with his uncle gave Coccari a good taste of the automotive business. In addition to his affiliation with Ford,Carmine Coccari also handled the Chevrolet,Marmons, Roosevelts,Pontiacs,Dodge and Plymouth franchises. From 1939 until his death in 1957,Carmine operated Chrysler Motors at 822 Donner Ave. Coccari always credited his uncle with instilling the qualities of good business and salesmanship in him,and Coccari was noted for his honesty and sincerity as a businessman throughout his career. The inspiration given him by his uncle also prompted Coccari to enroll in Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh in 1942 for a course in automotive engineering. He also attended the University of Pittsburgh for two years in an auto shop course. In January 1958,Coccari took over ownership of Coccari Garage in downtown Monessen and ran the Chrysler-Plymouth dealership until 1974,when the Redevelopment Authority purchased the building and razed it to make way for the Westgate Manor hi-rise for the elderly. Coccari became "retired" for the next 11 years,but returned to the business scene in Monessen in March 1985 as executive director of the Monessen Chamber of Commerce, the position he held at the time of his death. In his avocation as a musician, Coccari was schooled in saxophone and clarinet during his younger days. He had his band in school and later performed with numerous bands throughout the tri-state area. He eventually became a member of the Frankie Barr Orchestra,the "house/stage band" at the former Twin Coaches night club on Route 51 in Rostraver Township. As a member of that orchestra,Coccari performed with some of the biggest names in show business - Dean Martin,Liberace,Wayne Newton,Tony Bennett, the Platters,Vic Damone and the McGuire Sisters. In addition to his role as musician, Coccari assumed the duties of business manager for the band at the Twin Coaches in 1961. He continued his affiliation with the supper club until it was destroyed by fire in October 1977. Coccari,a longtime member of the American Federation of Musicians,was a member of numerous community and civic organizations,including Monessen Rotary Club,Monessen Elks, Mon Valley Progress Council,Community Development Corporation of Monessen and the Salvation Army Board. He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Monessen, and its Holy Name Society. His tireless efforts on behalf of the community were emphasized when he was honored in 1989 by the Chamber of Commerce. It was noted that Coccari's qualities of dedication and determination are exemplified and amplified in his role with the Monessen Chamber of Commerce. He has served as our executive director for several years, putting in countless hours of tireless efforts for the betterment of the Chamber, our business community,the City of Monessen, and the people who live and work here. The tribute continued,saying the word 'no' is not in Ernie's vocabulary. His energy and enthusiasm often put those of us who are just a 'few" years younger than him to shame. It sometimes seems that he is on the job 24 hours a day. When you heed to have something done, he's the man to call;you know the job will be done. Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, David and Lori Coccari of Mt. Nebo,W.Va.;two brothers,James Coccari of Sun City,Calif. and Robert Coccari of Monessen;one sister,Edith Alexander of Monessen;three grandchildren,Clarke, Gene and Katlyn Coccari;and three great-grandchildren,Trevor, Christopher and Brooke Coccari. In addition to his parents,he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years,Katherine Russell Coccari in 1984;one sister,Lena Venneri; and three brothers, Joseph,Edward and Louis Coccari. Friends will be received Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc., 441 Reed Monessen. A Blessing service will be held Friday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home,followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in the Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church,Monessen. Burial will be in Belle Vernon Cemetery. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monessen Chamber of Commerce through the funeral home. The Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc.,Timothy J. Billick,funeral director, is in charge of the arrangemnts.
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