Ernest P. Coccari served
for eleven years as the Executive Director of the Monessen Chamber of Commerce .
Although he has passed away, his hard work and dedication to this city will never be
forgotten. . In 1989, he was honored by the Monessen Chamber for his "tireless"
efforts while serving as the Executive Director.
Music
was an integral part of Ernie's life. He played saxophone and clarinet with numerous bands
in the area. He became a member of the Frankie Barr Orchestra, the house
band at the former Twin Coaches night club. Ernie performed with some of
the greatest talents in show business - Dean Martin, Liberace, Wayne Newton, Tony
Bennett, and the Platters (to name a few). Ernie, who was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, also enjoyed playing at
the weekly Monessen Rotary meetings.
Ernie's
primary occupation in life was automobile sales and service. He worked for his Uncle
Carmine's automobile dealership, on Donner Avenue in Monessen. After Carmine's death,
Ernie took over ownership of the Chrysler-Plymouth dealership
(Coccari Garage) and operated it from 1958 until 1974.
The annual Monessen Chamber of Commerce Cultural Heritage Festival was dedicated to Ernie Coccari for his years of dedicated service to the festival .
The Ernest P. Coccari Memorial Fund was established to provide a lasting tribute to Ernie. A memorial in downtown Monessen and a music scholarship are in the development stages. Contributions are being accepted at the Monessen Chamber office at 125 Sixth Street, Monessen, Pa. 15062. Additional information is available by calling the Chamber at (412)684-3200.
The Ernest P. Coccari Memorial was unveiled in downtown Monessen
on June 19th, 1997.
The Memorial
The Coccari family wishes to thank all those who gave their time and donations for this
tribute.
"Man of the
Year", by the Monessen Chamber of Commerce, in 1989.
Paul Harris Fellowship
Award (Received through the Monessen Rotary).
Rotarian of the year,
1995.
Thanks to Susan Broyles of The Monessen Chamber of Commerce and Don Casson for the photograph.
Construction by 