Methuen - NAVY VETERAN AND RETIRED LAWRENCE POLICE SERGEANT

May 21, 1937 - April 1, 2026

Samuel J. Coco, 88, of Methuen MA passed away on April 1, 2026, at the Prescott House in North Andover MA after a lengthy illness.

Sam was born in Lawrence on May 21, 1937, and was a long-time resident before moving to Methuen in 1977. He was the son of Alfio (Fred) and Mary (Zappala) Coco. He attended Lawrence schools and graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1956 where he was a winner of several championships in the shot-put events and carried ten consecutive meets in an undefeated season.

He received an associate's degree in criminal justice from Northern Essex Community College and was a parishioner of St. Monica's Parish in Methuen MA.

Sam served for 4 years (1956-1960) in the US Navy. During his tour of duty, he served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard CVA 31 in the South Pacific as part of the Helicopter Air Sea Rescue team. He also served 2 additional years in the U.S. Navy Reserves and was honorably discharged from service in 1962. He received a certificate of recognition from the Secretary of Defense for his service during the Cold War.

Sam was employed by the AVCO Space Systems Division in Lowell, MA. He joined the Lawrence Police Dept as a reserve officer on November 3, 1963 and was named Patrolman on June 23,1968. On October 19, 1980, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

He was a member of the Massachusetts Police Association. Sam received the Policeman of the Year Award in 1985 and was honored by the Lawrence Exchange Club for his act of heroism when he jumped into the icy waters of the North Canal and rescued a young man from drowning. Sam was also commended for rescuing 3 tenants from a burning building on Hannagan st.

He was a member of the Lawrence Police Honor Guard for 15 years, treasurer of the Lawrence Police Relief Association for 10 years, and a member of the Lawrence Superior Officers Negotiating Team. In addition, he also served as a Deputy Sheriff for the Essex County Sheriff's Dept. Sam was proud to be a Lawrence Police officer and retired from the Department after 34 years of service.

He was a lifetime member of the Lawrence chapter of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

After his discharge from the Navy, Sam met his wife Rita at Salisbury Beach where they enjoyed many summer vacations. They enjoyed traveling together, especially their trips to Las Vegas. He had several passions, most of all his love for gardening which was equal to that of a professional landscaper. His expertise in carpentry lent a helping hand to both family and friends, if you needed his help, he was always there for you. He especially enjoyed going deep sea fishing at the beach and visiting the surrounding lakes and ponds, making sure that his fishing licenses were always up to date.

Upon his retirement from the Lawrence Police Dept, Sam worked for 23 years as a substitute teacher for the Greater Lawrence Vocational School in Andover, MA. On Sept 1, 2016, he received an award in recognition for his service and dedication to the students and faculty. He also worked as a Security Guard for the Addison Gallery at Phillips Academy in Andover MA, where he met former President George HW Bush and graciously accepted his autograph.

Sam is survived by his wife of 64 years Rita, and their two sons Thomas J. Coco and his wife Barbara of Hampton Beach NH, Christopher A. Coco and his wife Joanne of Hampton Beach NH, three grandsons Daniel Samuel Coco, Michael Frank Coco, Nicklaus Christopher Coco, and great grandson Benjamin David Coco. He is also survived by sister-in-law Theresa Harb and her husband Joseph Harb of Haverhill, MA, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sam was pre-deceased by his sister Agnes Arcand and sister-in-law Modeste Ryan and husband John Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter 320 Nevada St Suite 201, Newton MA 02460

A special thank you to the Prescott House B Unit for their compassionate care and empathy during this difficult time.

Family and friends may attend calling hours at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St Methuen MA on Friday April 10, 2026 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday April 11, 2026 at 10:30AM at St. Monica's Parish 212 Lawrence St, Methuen MA, entombment to follow with military honors at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Mausoleum in Lawrence MA. The family kindly asks that everyone meet at church for the funeral Mass.