Rocco R. Macchia

Private First Class Rocco R. Macchia was born on October 10, 1925 to Angelo and Carmela “Millie” Macchia. He lived at 241 Chestnut Street in Camden NJ.

Rocco Macchia was a February 1944 graduate of Camden High School’s Business Education course. Other members of his graduating class included future Chief of Police Douglas Holmes, political figure Charles Ashley, and Joseph Mangold, who also served in Camden’s police force. Another classmate, Samuel T. Goudelock, was killed in action in Korea in April of 1953. Rocco Macchia was remembered in his high school yearbook:

Rocco is an intelligent fellow who is liked by everyone who knows him. He is sometimes late for classes but he holds his own when he gets there.

Rocco Macchia was killed in action in January of 1945 in Belgium, while serving with the 291st Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division in fighting in the Salm River valley during the Battle of the Bulge. He was survived by his parents of 241 Chestnut Street, Camden NJ.

Rocco Macchia was brought home aboard the USAT Joseph V. Connolly, arriving October 27, 1947. He was buried at Calvary Cemetery in what was then Delaware Township (present-day Cherry Hill) NJ, where he rests next to his parents and his maternal grandfather.