Michael J. Allocco, Jr., a longtime South Plainfield, New Jersey, entrepreneur and former professional basketball star, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at the age of 73.
While his family hasn’t disclosed the actual cause of his death, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to the late athlete and businessman and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Born on October 20, 1951, in Summit, New Jersey, to parents Michael J. Allocco Sr. and Theresa Cirelli Allocco, he later settled in South Plainfield, New Jersey, where he spent the majority of his life with his family, running his business.
He founded and operated AKA Inc., a screen-printing company, and Special-Tees, a custom T-shirt shop in Berkeley Heights. Michael ‘Mike’ also had a notable presence in the liquor distribution and import industry.
In addition to being an accomplished entrepreneur, Michael J. Allocco Jr. was also a skilled athlete, excelling in multiple sports.
Late Michael J. Allocco Jr. Began His Athletic Journey at Union Catholic High School
Michael J. Allocco Jr. began his athletic career from a very young age and played multiple sports at Union Catholic High School.
He further continued his basketball journey at Stonehill College in Easton, MA, from which he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Michael was regarded as the best basketball player to ever play at Stonehill College.
A forward standing 6’5” during his playing career, Allocco made history at Stonehill. He was the school’s first-ever All-American and set numerous records that remain in place today.
Over his collegiate career, he scored a school-record 2,399 points, averaging 23.9 points per game.8 points per game, all achieved without the benefit of the three-point line, which was introduced 13 years after his graduation.
He also amassed 1,150 career rebounds, joining an elite group in Stonehill history to achieve over 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
Similarly, Allocco was a three-time All-America selection, earned All-Conference honors as a sophomore, and was named Conference MVP in both his junior and senior years.
He set a school record by scoring 52 points in a 124-90 victory over Norwich in 1971, a feat that remains unmatched.
Allocco also helped Stonehill to its first two NCAA Tournament appearances in 1971 and 1973.
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Michael Allocco Jr. was inducted into the Stonehill College Hall of Fame in 1989.
After his remarkable collegiate career, Michael Allocco Jr. was drafted in the 1973 NBA Draft, being selected in the 6th round (13th pick, 99th overall) by the Baltimore Bullets, now Washington Wizards.
He also received a fourth-round selection by the Virginia Squires in the ABA Draft.
Beyond basketball, Allocco briefly pursued a professional boxing career, demonstrating his versatile athletic abilities.
Later in life, he returned to his roots in the sport as an assistant coach at South Plainfield High School, where he mentored young athletes and passed on the wisdom and discipline he had learned through years of competitive play.
Off the court, Michael enjoyed golf, fine cigars, and trips to casinos in Atlantic City and Bethlehem, embracing life’s pleasures with the same passion he brought to sports.
Michael Allocco Jr. leaves behind a legacy of excellence, both in athletics and in his personal life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Carlene Clark Allocco, children, Ashley Wilson and her husband Bully, Michael Allocco III, and his wife Karina and Courtney Allocco, mother Theresa Allocco, brothers, Jerry Allocco and his wife Linda, Frank Allocco and his wife Phyllis, and Richard Allocco, grandson, Vance, several nieces, nephews and the whole family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- His family has organized a memorial and funeral service to honor the late Michael Allocco. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 12th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Berkeley Memorial, 646 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights, NJ.
- A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 13th, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South Street. New Providence, NJ.
- In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stonehill Men’s Basketball program.
