Thomaston- Mr. Joseph F. Cocca, 88, died on Monday, April 8, at St. Marys Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Stasia (Bartosiewicz) Cocca; they would have been married for 59 years on April 30. Mr. Cocca was born September 20, 1924 in Waterbury, son of the late Michael and Mary (Barillo) Cocca. He was a graduate of Crosby High School and upon graduation immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served honorably in the China, India and Burma area. He received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He was a member of the VFW Post # 5157 in Watertown. Upon his discharge he enrolled at Bryant College in Rhode Island, graduating in 1950. He held various jobs over the years, namely in accounting and personnel management; ran the complex at Heritage Village in Southbury and was later self employed as a used car dealer with his son Michael. He was an avid sportsman in his younger days, mostly enjoying hunting and deep sea fishing. He was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees and followed UCONN Mens and Womens basketball religiously. Joe had a beautiful family which he loved dearly. In addition to his wife he is survived by his daughter, Theresa Bly Mihalko and her husband Gregg; his daughter-in-law, Christina Cocca; his sister-in-laws, Martha Nadeau and Gloria Bartosiewicz; grandson, Russell Bly and his wife Sara; Granddaughters, Julia and Katherine Cocca; Great grandchildren, Forrest, Chelsea, Dylan and Sugaree. He was predeceased by his son, Michael and brother Angelo. His many friends are now deceased, but presently living are Ralph (Charlie) and Eileen Ciarleglio, Jenny Narciso and Louis Morrelli. Also, his neighbors, Arthur and Laura Hanke, Steve and Kim Foss and Sean and Laura Boyle, who were always around to help Joe do things around the house when he was no longer able to do it. Arrangements: Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 12, at 10:00 A.M. at the Lyons Funeral Home 46 High St. Thomaston. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Watertown. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 11, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Coccas name to the Thomaston Volunteer Fire Department 245 South Main St. Thomaston, CT 06787 or to the Thomaston Volunteer Ambulance Assoc. South Main St. Thomaston, CT 06787.

Service Information Cemetery Mount Olivet Cemetery 669 Platt Road Watertown, CT 06795 --> Visitation Thursday April 11, 2013 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 --> Service Friday April 12, 2013 10:00 AM Lyons Funeral Home 46 High Street Thomaston, CT 06787 -->