Joseph M. Cocuzzi Jr. 1941-2025

Joseph was a son of Angela Simonds and Joseph Cocuzzi Sr. (both deceased); a companion of 43 years to Nancy Fulton; brother of Pamela Katz (Stuart); uncle of Elissa Katz (Eric Moyer) and Jamie Katz (Shelley); and great-uncle of Max and Lily Moyer.

A loyal friend to many, Joe graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in 1958. After graduation, he served in the United States Army Reserve out of Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He apprenticed in Local 224, Union of Plumbers and Pipefitters, and worked as a pipefitter for 40 years.

Even as a teen, he was a motorcycle and car enthusiast, building roadsters and tuning up engines. Throughout the years, he collected a variety of custom Harley-Davidsons and cars. He traveled to Sturgis, South Dakota, for the annual Harley rallies.

An avid hunter, Joe always had two golden retrievers, one fully trained as a hunting dog and the second in training to take over when the older one “retired.” His trophies were antlers and feathers. When Alaska became a state, he traveled with his cousin to homestead land in Alaska. One day an unlucky black bear entered the camp, and Joe came home with a black bear hide rug.

Joe was one handy guy, turning his home and yard into a place to always have a celebration; he built a regulation bocce court, horseshoe pit, volleyball area and added an indoor shuffleboard game. The “garage” was the place for many fun gatherings. He was well known for carrying on the family tradition of summer lamb roasts that started in the 1930s by his immigrant family members when they gathered to celebrate each summer. He transformed the hand-turned spit to the electric “lamb mobile,” a charcoal roasting spit on wheels. He held court when carving up the roasted lambs and chickens for all the guests to sneak a taste. Everyone would ask, “When is the next lamb roast?” Joe and Nancy also held an annual wine tasting event featuring their friends’ homemade wines. The winner was awarded bragging rights and a homemade necklace to wear that was passed on from year to year.

Joe was proud of his Italian heritage and attended the many Italian festivals held in Warren. He enjoyed competing in the morra contest, once winning first place and ending up with no voice the next day.

Joe was no quiet guy, always talking at full volume. Joe was one of those people who could walk into a room not knowing anyone and, upon leaving, would leave to a chorus of “See ‘Ya Joe.” He will truly be missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Road NE, Warren. Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Joseph’s family.

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