John R. Coccio, Sr.

John “Dick” Coccio, Sr., 87, of Bristol passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 28, 2026. He was the devoted husband of Evelyn (Hyder) Coccio for 60 years.

Born and raised in Bristol, Dick was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Emma (Puya) Coccio. He was a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where he received all of his sacraments and lived his faith with quiet devotion.

Dick enlisted in the Army in 1955 and served in the Army Reserves for eight years.

In 1969, he proudly opened the Colonial Barbershop on Metacom Avenue, where he welcomed generations of customers with a steady hand and friendly conversation, retiring in 2020.

Dick found great joy in the game of bocce, designing and building a backyard court where, as team captain, he led the Green Hornets to victory over their friendly rivals, the Red Roosters, in this past season. He cherished the weekly matches in which players ranged in age from 33 to 104, and delighted in sharing the game with family and friends, passing on both skills and good-natured competition.

Dick could often be found around town for breakfast, a frequent and friendly face at the Hope Diner and Van’s Spa, especially following the 7:30 Sunday Mass. Dick was also an avid woodworker, always one to keep busy. In his later years, when he couldn’t be completing the work himself, he made sure to supervise.

Most importantly, Dick treasured every moment shared with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of his world.

He is survived by his sons, John R. Coccio, Jr. (Beth), and David Coccio (Marie); his grandchildren, Kathleen Oberg (Jeff), Matthew Coccio, Kelly Coccio (James Tabor), and Ryan Coccio (Madelyn); his great-grandchildren Audrey Oberg, Anthony Oberg and Enzo Coccio; his siblings, Eleanor Silva (the late Arnold), Joseph R. Coccio, Jr. (the late Kathleen), James Coccio (Jennifer); and his many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Dorothy Caromile (Joseph).

A Visiting Hour will be held at Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM. His funeral will begin from Sansone Funeral Home at 9:30 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 141 State Street, Bristol, RI 02809.