Friends and parishioners gathered at the Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne on March 8, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Florence Cocchi, whose late husband, Louis, was a village mayor.
Cocchi’s actual birthday is March 22, but residents held an early celebration for Cocchi, who’s vital to the community.
“I’m happy to be here for your 100th birthday, and I’m happy to call you a friend,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said, as he presented Cocchi with a citation.
“I’m trying my best to follow in your husband’s footsteps, as mayor and Republican leader,” Sullivan continued. “But I always say, we can only do this because of the support of our families. Your family and your own accomplishments in the village are unbelievable.”
Cocchi’s husband, who died in 2018, served Malverne as mayor and trustee, as well as captain of the Malverne Fire Department, executive leader of the Malverne Republican Committee, and a district deputy in the Second Kings Masonic District. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Cocchi and her late husband were dedicated members of the Community Presbyterian Church, which they joined in 1961 after moving to the community that year. Cocchi has served as a council elder, leader and deacon, and her husband was a trustee of the church. She was the Sunday school teacher and supervisor, as well as choir member and director of vacation Bible school.
Cocchi was mission treasurer of the church, managing initiatives that met local, national and global needs. She was also the leader of the church’s food pantry and is responsible for organizing what is now known as the People’s February Food Drive, which collects thousands of dollars worth of food to donate. She also spent some time as a Boy Scout den mother.
“I am so proud that you’ve reached this beautiful milestone,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “You are a fixture in the Malverne community, and I’m happy to be here to celebrate with you.”
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne resident, also presented Cocchi with a citation and spoke about her history with the family. “I have known the Cocchi family virtually my whole life,” she said. “I remember listening to your husband’s ‘Albany updates,’ when I attended the Malverne Republican Club.”
Cocchi thanked all who attended the celebration. “I didn’t expect this,” she said. “It’s only another year for me. But I realized it’s very impressive because not many people reach 100.”
Robert Powers, a church elder who organized the celebration, said, “Being an elder and in the church since 1961, we want to show Florence we’re here, carrying on the programs she started. With God’s blessing, we’re all here to carry it on in the future.”
When asked the secret to living to 100, Cocchi said, “Be active, be kind, and be happy.” Cocchi stays active each day, riding a stationary bike and lifting weights. “It’s a happy time, but I don’t feel 100,” she added.
