Valiant G. Cocchi

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Valiant Cocchi, born on September 11, 1955, a man whose strength, love, and presence left a lasting mark on everyone blessed to know him. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, laughter, and unconditional love that will live on forever.

Valiant was more than a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—he was the foundation of his family. He was the kind of man whose love was felt in everything he did. Strong, dependable, and full of heart, he gave everything he had to the people he loved and took great pride in being a provider, protector, and guiding light for his family.

He shared 47 beautiful years with the love of his life and soulmate, his wife, Deborah. Their love was built on loyalty, strength, and standing beside each other through every season of life. Deborah was not only his wife, but his best friend, his partner, and the person who stood by him through every high and low. Together they built a family, a home, and a love that stood the test of time. Their bond was unbreakable, and their love story was one of true devotion, sacrifice, and partnership.

He was a devoted father to his children: Tiffany, Timothy, Brittany, Zachary, Lindsay, Wesley, Dorothy, and Valiant. Lindsay, who passed at only 4 days old, remained forever in his heart and a part of his family’s story. When asked what his greatest accomplishment in life was, his answer was always simple—his children. He spent his life working hard to provide for his family and teaching his kids the value of hard work, strength, and using their hands to build a better life.

He was a man who could fix or build anything. From construction work across New Jersey to building tables, decks, and playhouses for his children, his creativity and craftsmanship left a lasting mark everywhere he went. Riding through town, he would proudly point and say, “I worked on that house.”

He spent his life in construction, working on homes throughout Burlington County and many other parts of New Jersey. He was respected by everyone who knew him for his skill, his dedication, and the pride he took in being a loving father and good man.

Valiant had a deep love for history and antiques. He collected pieces of the past, especially antique bottles, inkwells, marbles, GI Joes, cannons, and insulators from years gone by. His passion for collecting began when his son Timothy found an old bottle in the backyard, which quickly turned into digging up the yard and starting a lifelong hobby of attending bottle shows and searching for hidden treasures. He loved going to Columbus Mart, always excited to see what his next great find would be.

He loved the outdoors, camping in New York, nature, camouflage, and exploring campsites. He loved animals, especially his cats, who followed him everywhere. He was happiest surrounded by family, grandchildren, good food, music, and laughter.

Valiant had a true love for cooking and feeding people. Cooking was one of the many ways he showed love. Whenever his big pot came out, everyone knew he was about to make one of his favorites—his homemade bean soup or a big pot of chili. He loved gathering people around food, making sure no one left hungry, and always packing up extra for people to take home. Feeding others brought him joy, and he took pride in taking care of people that way. Whether family, friends, or anyone who stopped by, he always made sure there was a plate ready and love served with it.

Music was one of his greatest passions. He didn’t just love music—he lived it. He played rock and roll with heart and soul, picking up his guitar and bringing energy and life into every room. He used to be in bands including Neighborhood Threat and Dusky Shark, playing at parties and sharing his passion with everyone around him. He loved rock and roll and built a collection of over 10,000 cassette tapes throughout his life. His guitar and his music were a true part of who he was.

He also loved simple comforts—watching M.A.S.H., Little House on the Prairie, westerns, and spending time with his grandchildren, always making sure they sat down for a movie and leaving them with words of wisdom they will carry forever.

He proudly served in the United States Navy in 1973 and carried that same strength and discipline throughout his life.

The last year of his life was one of the hardest battles he faced, but true to who he was, he faced every moment with strength, courage, and determination. He fought until the very last second, staying strong so he could be here for his family. Even during the hardest days, he found ways to make light of the situation, to share extra “I love you,” and to remind the people around him to stay strong. He wanted his family to carry that same strength forward. His love, his fight, and his courage will forever be remembered.

He was deeply devoted to his brothers  Cliff James and Fran James and his sisters Linda James and Jacque James . His sister Linda stood by his side throughout the past year, helping him fight his battle with unwavering love and strength. She was there for him in his hardest moments, offering support, comfort, and care, showing the deep bond they shared as brother and sister. He held a special place in his heart for his mother Kathy Rollinghoff, whose passing two years ago deeply affected him.

Valiant leaves behind his loving wife, Deborah, his children, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, many dear friends, and a lifetime of memories, lessons, laughter, and love.

He was a strong man, a loving man, and the kind of father whose legacy will live on through every life he touched. He loved deeply, gave freely, worked endlessly, and stood strong for the people he loved until his very last breath.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A viewing for Valiant will be held Tuesday, May 5th from 10am - 12pm at the Page Funeral Home, 302 E. Union St., Burlington, NJ 08016. A funeral service will begin at noon with interment following in the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle, Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover.

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