Obituary of Rocco Iossa

Rocco Iossa, a longtime Florham Park and Madison resident, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, January 1, 2024, after a short illness. He was 80.

Rocco’s life was a testament to the power of commitment and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Rocco is survived by his three sons, Rocco F. Iossa and his wife Elizabeth of Bernardsville, Gino Iossa and his wife Norma of Florham Park and Joseph Iossa and his wife Sharon of Florham Park; his daughter, Angela Iossa; one brother, Frank Iossa; one sister, Palma Fioccola; eleven grandchildren, Rocco M. Iossa, Matthew Iossa, Thomas Iossa, Janet Prizzi, Salvatore Iossa, Liam Iossa, Sydney Iossa, Julia Peters, Samantha Peters, Christian Iossa and Gino Iossa; four great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and dear friends. These family bonds were a source of joy and strength for Rocco throughout his life, and his love for his family was evident in his actions and words.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Janet Iossa in 2020 and his son, Salvatore Iossa in 1990.

Rocco was born in Marigliano, Italy to the late Salvatore and Angelina Iossa. He emigrated to the United States in 1961, originally settling in Madison, and thereafter, Florham Park where he and Janet raised their five children.

Rocco operated the first pizzeria in Madison, Frank’s Pizza in the early 1960’s which was located on Park Avenue. It was a tremendous success and he fondly recalled his most proud day there when in 1962 he met his wife Janet at the restaurant.

After several years of hard work and dedication, Rocco, together with Janet, expanded his restaurant to create Rocco’s Restaurant, which became a landmark restaurant in Madison. Rocco’s was a true family business with all members of the family playing a role. Thereafter, Rocco and Janet opened and operated several restaurants and bars in the Madison area. 

Rocco loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for his children. He was a dedicated father and he was extremely proud of his grandchildren. Rocco led by example and instilled the values of hard work, respect and dedication.

Rocco was an avid soccer fan and coached soccer in Florham Park for many years, most notably coaching his own sons. He also loved bocce ball and was an active member of the Forum Club of Madison.

Even though Rocco was humble, he was a community leader who was deeply involved in both the Madison and Florham Park communities for decades, giving back in any way he could. 

Rocco was a faith-filled man and he was a parishioner of both Holy Family Church in Florham Park and St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison.

Rocco’s life is a reminder of the power of dedication and the importance of family. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Rocco on Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those unable to attend the mass in-person may attend virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment will be held privately for the family.

Charitable contributions may be made in Rocco’s memory to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105