Joseph James Coco

Joseph James Coco, 97, of Lee died on March 29th at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield after a long battle with dementia.

He was born at home in the formerly known “Little Italy” section of Lee on November 08, 1927 to Peter and Spizia (Esoldi) Coco. He was fondly known to many as Cookie but his grandchildren and great-grandchildren preferred to fondly address him as Bunky or Coco.  

Joe graduated from the Lee schools where he was very active in all sports, earning varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He truly excelled in baseball and was proudly invited  to try out for the MLB Cleveland Indians. He had a true love for the baseball sport itself without  an allegiance to any specific team. He readily followed both the NY Yankees as well as the rival Boston Red Sox. He continued to participate in many sports throughout his lifetime playing on local bowling and golf leagues alike.  

Following his graduation from high school, Mr. Coco had two active duty enlistments in the US  Navy (1946) and subsequently in the US Air Force (1960). He was discharged from the US Naval reserves in 1971. He combined his love of sports while serving in the active USAF,  participating in a trophy winning softball team while stationed at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey.  

Mr. Coco was very recognizable in the town of Lee as the smiling, whistling, singing letter carrier over many years. When we were on family vacations he would often send postcards to many of the children and dogs on his mail route. He was loved by many. He loved to sing and shared his singing talents in the church choir and community musicals as well.  

In 1965 Mr Coco married Candace (Heath) Abderhalden in Tyringham, who predeceased him in 2010. They made their home in Lee with their 2 children Karin S & William R Abderhalden, II before retiring to Haines City, FL. Mr. Coco also has a son from a previous marriage, Joseph J. Van Inwagen of Hazen, ND.  

Besides his children, named above, Mr. Coco leaves a sister, Claire St. Peter of Lee, seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Mr. Coco was also predeceased by three brothers: Michael, Louis & Dominick Coco and six sisters: Mary Lane, Carmella Argentino,  Angelina Fraley, Nanette Van Alstyne, Helene Sweeney & Lucy Buscemi.  

FUNERAL NOTICE - A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Joseph J. Coco will be celebrated on Monday, April 28th at 10am at St. Mary's Church in Lee. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make donations to  HospiceCare of the Berkshires in care of KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.