Obituary of Joseph A. Kocsis

Joe was born in Gary, Indiana on March 12, 1932 to Stephen and Margaret Kocsis. His parents had immigrated from Hungary in 1921, and Joe only spoke Hungarian until he entered school. He always had a great love for Hungarian food. After graduation from high school in 1950, he enlisted in the Air Force, and a week later the Korean War began. He served four years and then returned to Gary where he became restless and decided to seek his fortune in California. He moved to Santa Cruz just prior to the big flood of 1955 and became interested in the plumbing trade. He completed his journeyman's training and became a plumber for Wilson Bros. He worked in the trades doing mostly commercial plumbing for 35 years. Joe loved to play golf and was a charter member of DeLaveaga Men's Club, which opened in 1970. He was part of the "dawn patrol," first off the tee every Saturday morning. In 1980, Joe met his to-be-wife Jan Fraser at the golf club and they were married that same year and had a Hawaiian golf honeymoon. Golf was a part of his life until his health prevented him from playing. He and Jan enjoyed many Mexican and Hawaiian golf trips over the years. Joe retired in 1992, and he and Jan enjoyed many years of traveling the world, including a trip to his homeland of Hungary. Joe still could speak his native tongue and was able to communicate with his relatives there. Joe was a wonderfully caring man, always ready to lend a hand to a neighbor or friend, and made everyone feel special when he was with them. He loved a good joke, a good drink, and was always the life of the party. He enjoyed good health for 20 years following his retirement, spending much time with his family and friends. We will miss him very much. He is survived by his wife Jan, daughter Julie Bourriague, brother Steve Kocsis, grandson Travis Bourriague, stepson Jack Nix, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of his life on Sunday, November 16th at DeLaveaga Golf Lodge at 3:00 p.m. Please bring a good joke and come join us in remembering the good times with Joe. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made in his name to the Epilepsy Foundation or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories and reflections of Joe by visiting www.pacificgardenschapel.com.