NORTH BRUNSWICK – Two more streets in town received secondary signs to honor veterans who dedicated themselves to the country and to the township.
George Cocco was born May 5, 1914, in Windber, Pennsylvania.
He served as a Private First Class Rifleman in the United States Army from Feb. 13, 1942-Oct. 12, 1945. During this time he was engaged in enemy combat in the New Guinea and Northern Solomons Campaigns. They made day and night attacks and patrolled into enemy territory, according to a proclamation read on his behalf on April 25 at the new Cocco Way, located at the intersection of Beechwood Place and Cleremont Avenue.
Cocco was the oldest of six boys. He and three of his brothers, Joseph, John and Dominic, served during the war at the same time. George Cocco received the Asiatic–Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and two Battle Stars.
Before he entered the service, George Cocco was employed by Berwind-White Coal Mining Co. in Pennsylvania. After the war he worked for 33 years as a chemical engineer for Bristol-Myers Squibb and was a member of the Quarter Century Club and Retirees Club.
George Cocco was married to Pauline Georgianna Cocco for 59 years. Together, they had two children, Carol and George.
Cocco was a township resident for more than 60 years.
Also honored the same evening was Joseph F. Rosenberg with a sign for Rosenberg Way at the intersection of Beechwood Place and Glenridge Avenue.
Rosenberg was born Nov. 26, 1928, and resided in North Brunswick for most of his life.
He was drafted into the United States Army on Jan. 24, 1952 and received his basic training at Camp Kilmer in Piscataway. After eight weeks of basic training he was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division and was sent abroad to serve in the Korean Conflict, according to his proclamation.
As a chef by trade, he was a cook in the military, but would tell his family that when soldiers were fighting against the Chinese, everyone in the unit was on the front lines.
On April 21, 1953, Rosenberg was promoted to the rank of corporal. He was honorably discharged on April 7, 1960. He received the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.
He owned a luncheonette on How Lane and also taught culinary classes at the Union County Vocational High School. He also was a member of North Brunswick Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 and was awarded the status of lifetime member. He also was a fire inspector for the town and a member of the Democratic Committee.
Rosenberg was married to his wife Rose for 43 years. Together they had three children, Susan, Joseph and Denise.
To nominate a North Brunswick veteran for the street naming program, call 732-247-0922, ext. 475.
