Elda M. Coccia
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The Paese of Lioni, Provincia di Avellino, Italia, is the birthplace of Elda M. Coccia. Born on the 25th day of May in the year 1933, into a family of 3
children and parents Anna and Angelo Soriano.
Her youth was no different than children in a country ruled
by a fascist Dictator (Benito Mussolini) but much different than children
in America.
In addition to going to school and working at a Bottega run by her
Nonna, she also had to be on the lookout for German soldiers who preferred young girls…and with her family, had to run into the mountains during
American bombardments…until Lioni was rescued by the invading American soldiers.
Elda’s youthful memories are few, schooling, an evening Passegiata with her girlfriends, learning to knit and buying an occasional gelato.
Prior to children, Papa and Mamma made occasional trips to America to visit relatives and on one of those trips, Papa decided to remain in
America…eventually taking over a shoe repair shop in Kearny, New Jersey…remaining there during the war without family…Mamma preferred to
remain in Lioni.
During their separation and prior to the war, Papa Soriano made several trips back and forth resulting in four children. His trips ended, when world
war 2 was officially declared.
At the end of the war Papa Soriano made an immediate move to bring his family to America…and at the age of 14 ½, Elda arrived on the shores of our
great country…without knowing a word of English.
Elda’s biggest challenge was in learning the language and customs of her new adopted country. A challenge that brought tears on a daily basis
along with a wish to return home. Kearny was not with an Italian neighborhood, resulting in name calling by her new schoolmates. She left school at
the age of 16 and went to work in the garment industry…a much happier environment, with many co-workers right off the boat from their native Italy.
At this point, Elda’s American life began to improve, speaking her
native language on a daily basis while learning English. Within 8 months,
she met someone who would change her life forever….20 year old Joseph
Coccia, Jr. Elda’s was introduced to Joseph’s family on his 21st birthday
party held at his home in Newark, NJ….
Elda waited patiently and faithfully for 2 long years while Joseph served his country and upon his return, they were married.
The rest is history...
Married in 1953 economic conditions were not at its best. Average pay was around $50. per week. After working for a few months, Elda became
pregnant with her first child and remained a housewife bearing 5 children.
Being a UNICAN wife since 1959 and struggling between
Joseph’s work, his UNICO ambitions, maintaining a home and 5
children, her reward is seeing them in good health, giving her 9
grandchildren (another on the way) and 2 great grandchildren.
Over the years their passion and activism in Italian Culture and History grew stronger with each passing year. UNICO NATIONAL became their
second family, with Elda becoming first Lady in 1976.
In the year 2000 their intensity in Italian grew and they began their mission to “ Preserve Italian Culture”… founding the Joseph and Elda Coccia
Institute at Montclair State University in October of 2003.
In addition, Elda as Trustee of the Coccia Foundation, has played an active roll and is supportive of its mission to preserve Italian and Italian-
American history.
In 2004 Elda received an Honorary Degree in Humane Letters by Montclair State University.
Elda’s love and compassion for infants and children is never ending. She has donated an incubator to Valley Hospital, knits blankets for youthful
cancer patients along with donations to many children organizations.
Elda’s still has a strong presence in her children’s lives and
has been a wonderful role model for her daughters and granddaughters. In addition, her sons and grandsons can’t get enough of Nonna’s cooking.
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