Joseph E. Coco Jr.

Joseph E. Coco, 91, of Deep Creek, FL passed away October 14, 2021. The son of Joseph Sr and Eva Coco born July 10, 1930, in Nova Scotia, Canada, was raised in Framingham, MASS.  Joe graduated from Framingham HS before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1950 at the start of the Korean War.  He completed his MP training in Albany, GA before being assigned to RAF Upper Heyford in Oxfordshire, England. Upper Heyford was chosen to house the USAF Strategic Air Command strategic bomber aircraft including the B-36’s and B-50’s. This is where he would meet the love of his life, Eileen, an Oxford native. They were married in Oxfordshire then moved to Boston in 1954. They had one daughter, Jennifer, they were all very close.

Joe always had a love for airplanes and after pursuing a career in the aviation field, he was offered a job at United Airlines in 1956. He started in reservations, quickly moved to supervisor then was offered a transfer to Chicago’s EXO offices in the mid-1960s. They moved to Schaumburg Township in Illinois.  In 1970 their only granddaughter Kim was born. She was the apple of his eye. Here he spent his career as a manager in the advertising department. He was a major factor in the development of airline timetables as well as managing the print and commercial side of the department.  He loved working for United and always felt it was a privilege. He made lifelong friendships during his time there.

Joe was an avid baseball and hockey fan, especially the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins. He played both sports during his youth. While living in Schaumburg he was instrumental in starting the King’s youth hockey team. He also coached youth baseball and softball and became the Schaumburg Athletic Association commissioner of baseball. He dedicated 23 of his life to little league ball and in recognition, he was honored by the city naming a local baseball field after him, “Joe Coco Field”.  After moving to Port Charlotte, he became an avid woodworker and worked for local print shop Buffalo Graffix for 15 years.  He made many handmade wood signs in the 1990s and 2000s for local businesses including several for Fisherman’s Village.  He also had wonderful neighbors and made many amazing friends living in FL. He always felt he was entirely blessed to have such wonderful people in his life.

Joe made an impact on so many throughout his amazing, adventure-filled life.  Whether it was his time in the USAF, his career at United Airlines (EXO), as the Schaumburg (SAA) commissioner and coach, as a trusted friend, husband, father, or beloved grandfather. 

He is survived by his only granddaughter Kim of Kennesaw, GA, and her husband Lloyd; and his great-grandsons, Cameron and Greyden. His one and only daughter, Jennifer passed away in 2001 and his loving wife, Eileen passed away in 2003.

Joe lived his life with integrity, authenticity, and love. He will always be honored and greatly missed.

The family requests memorial donations are made to Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.org