Obituary of Bob Cocilova

Bob Cocilova passed away at home on May 6, 2014 in Ben Lomond after a year-long battle with kidney cancer. He was 70 years old. He was born in San Francisco on June 9, 1943 to Robert and Edith Cocilova. Attending St. Charles Elementary School and Mission High School where he was senior class president and enjoyed playing football. The Fire Department was his choice of a career and it started in San Bruno, CA. for several years and then went to the San Jose Fire Department. He loved every year of the 30 years he was there retiring as an Engineer. Bob served on the Executive Board of Local 230 for several years, holding the positions of Trustee and Vice President. During that time, he also served on the negotiations and arbitration teams. After retirement, Bob served as the President of the Association of Retired Fire Fighters and Police Officers and lead efforts to provide equity for survivors and long time retirees. He always put his heart and soul into his work and was not one to give up until the job was done. Cooking was a passion with him and his culinary skills overflowed from the firehouse to "fund raising" events in the Department and on to the home kitchen. He often said that if he had it to do over he would choose the same career with no regrets. The camaraderie in the fire department was very special to him and it followed him into retirement creating a large circle of friends. He moved from San Bruno to Campbell, CA and then on to Ben Lomond where he enjoyed "country life" . Owning horses was a big part of family life as well as all the years spent with the Ano Nuevo Horse Patrol and docent work. He enjoyed working around the house and entertaining friends and family. Lake Almanor was always a destination as both daughters and their families live there. Bob was an honest and fair man that you could always count on for support or help. He was generous to a fault. He was the "rock" of the family and made sure everyone was well taken care of and safe at all times. He was our protector! Our family is diminished by his loss but we'll remember gratefully the many happy memories we shared with him. Helen, his wife of 50 years, will miss the twinkle in his eye, the smile in his heart and the love he shared with his daughters, Christine (Delucchi) and Kimberly (Cocilova); son in law Mark Delucchi ; grandsons Nick Delucchi, Trevor Delucchi, and "favorite" granddaughter Maddy Cocilova; sister in law Jo Knoll and husband Jack; countless cousins and friends that were like family. A memorial will be held Saturday, June 7th,10 am to 2 pm, at the San Jose Fire Museum, 1661 Senter Rd,BLD D1, San Jose, CA 95112-2522. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the San Jose United Fire Fighters Widows & Orphans Aid Association, P.O. Box 59426, San Jose CA 95159-0426 or the San Jose Fire Museum (address above). If you wish to light a candle for Bob and share your prayers and reflections with his family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com