Obituary of Rocco Piana

Rocco “Rocky” J. Piana, a lifelong Madison resident, died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the age of 70.

Rocky was born in Summit on May 25, 1950 to the late Eugene R. Piana, Sr. & Mary L. Piana (nee Catalano). He was raised in Madison with his two brothers, Gene & John, and as a boy he loved baseball and played on several Madison Little League teams. Rocky graduated from Madison High School in 1968 and attended college to learn computer programing in the early days of computers.

Before his recent retirement, Rocky had a career spanning over 30 years as a computer programmer with Automatic Switch Company in Florham Park. He loved his job and had many longtime friends at the company.

Rocky was passionate about sports, especially college and professional football. He was a tremendous Notre Dame football fan and religiously took yearly trips to Indiana to attend Notre Dame football games. He also loved both the New York Giants and Yankees.

Rocky remained a lifelong fan of Madison High School Football, attending games and following the stats of his alma mater team. Rocky was a coach for Madison Little League Football for many years, along with his brothers.

Rocky loved to travel and was proud of the fact that he was able to visit ¾ of the baseball stadiums in the United States. He took many trips, notably to Italy, Bermuda and Hawaii.

Rocky had an outgoing personality and had an excellent sense of humor. He could walk into a room full of strangers and by the time he left was friends with everyone. He loved to make others laugh and always had a good joke. Rocky loved his family and friends dearly and he will be deeply missed.  

Rocky is survived by his two brothers, Eugene “Gene” Piana, Jr. and his wife Molly of Budd Lake & John Piana and his wife Pat of Freehold; seven beloved nieces and nephews, many great-nieces and great- nephews and many dear friends.

For everyone’s safety and well-being the Piana family has decided to hold the visitation and funeral services privately for immediate family. Rocky will be laid to rest near his parents at St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Madison. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Madison Memorial Home.

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