Joseph Michael Cocuzi Jr.

Mecca - Joseph Michael Cocuzzi, Jr., 84, of Mecca, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday evening October 1, 2025.

Son of Angela Simonds, (deceased), and Joseph Cocuzzi, Sr. (deceased), companion of 43 years to Nancy Fulton, sister to Pamela Katz, (Stuart), uncle to Elissa Katz (Eric Moyer), and Jamie Katz (Shelley), great uncle to Max and Lily Moyer. A loyal friend to many.

Joe graduated from Warren G. Harding in 1958. After graduation, he served in the United States Army Reserves out of Fort Jackson. 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 2 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 too. 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 1930’s 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 friend’s homemade wines. The winner was awarded bragging rights and a homemade necklace to wear that was passed on 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 a 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 & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd. 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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Michael Cocuzi Jr., please visit our floral store.