Ernest J. Coccia

Ernest J. Coccia, 97, husband of the late Dolores A. (Zeleski) of Phoenixville, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at home.

Born on June 16, 1926 in Phoenixville, PA he was the son of the late John and Rose (Cutillo) Coccia.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Motor Machinist.

He was a self-employed home builder and stone mason.  He built over 30 homes in Phoenixville.  He worked for Plotts Bros converting homes into apartments.  Lastly worked for Melchiorre Construction Company doing stonemason and road work.  He helped repair the bridges on Rapps Dam Road and the stonework on Yellow Springs Road.  After retirement he started "Ernie's Crafts" and was known for his birdhouses.  He loved gardening.

He was a founding member of St. Basil the Great Catholic Church where he was an Usher.  He built the first altar out of wood that is now in the Chapel.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post 602 in Spring City.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah wife of the late Frank Wetty.

6 Grandchildren:
Kathryn wife of John Morris;
Jonathan husband of Monica Wetty;
Anya wife of Anthony Powell;
Joseph Wetty and Claudia Franco;
Nicholas Bucelli;
Ryan Balentine.

5 Great-grandchildren, Luke, Connor, and Amelia Wetty, Timothy Wetty, and Mirabelle Powell.

Sister, Mary Gabrill.

He was preceded in death by his daughters, Sherry Bucelli and Lorrie Balentine and brothers and sisters, Anthony Coccia, Peter Coccia, John Coccia, Jr., Eugene Coccia, Josephine Ricci, Nancy Pannella, Anne Fiorvanti, Rose Fillippo, and Joan Heim.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery.

A viewing will be held in the church on Tuesday from 9:45 to 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Mary Franciscan Shelter, 209 Emmett Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460 or Southeastern Veterans Center Welfare Fund, 1 Veterans Drive, Spring City, PA 19475