Ottavio Joseph Coccia

August 17, 1917 - May 31, 2017

Coccia, Ottavio Joseph “Joe”, age 99, of Burlington, passed away peacefully May 31, 2017 with his loving family by his side at Aurora Zilber Family Hospice in Wauwatosa. Joe was born August 17, 1917 to Sabatino and Carmela (nee. Tigri) Coccia in Wooster, OH. He grew up in Wooster, graduated from high school and enlisted in the Navy in 1938. During his enlistment from 1938 – 1947 he earned three bronze stars. Between military tours he met the woman of his dreams, Beatrice Lillis, and was married on March 18, 1943. After serving his country, the couple moved to Wauwatosa where they resided for more than 35 years. Beatrice passed away in 2005, after 62 years of marriage, and Joe moved to Burlington, WI. He retired from Borden's Dairy where he was an engineer keeping the dairy equipment running and installing new. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church since 2014 and a very active member of the "Holy Dusters". Joe enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joe is survived by three daughters: Nancy (Russ) Kuelz, Patricia Coccia (John Sekula), Eileen Coccia (Paul McShane); seven grandchildren: Debbie (Shawn) Halverson, Jennifer Kuelz, Jon (Lyndie Carboni) Kuelz, Joe (Angie) Sadler, Karen (Joel) Maass, Victoria (Andy) Seiter, Matthew McShane; seven great-grandchildren: Anthony Sadler, Cameron LaSota, Liliana Maass, Wyatt Seiter, Bodie Seiter, Ryan and Oscar Kuelz; other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, loving wife Beatrice, one sister: Emma (Roy) Barbier and four brothers: Vee, Guy, Don, and Danny. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 10-11AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 305 S. First St. Waterford, WI 53185. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of floral expressions of sympathy Joe’s family suggest donations be made to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Neurology Unit. Family would like to thank Zilber Hospice for the excellent care they provided Joe in his final days. Mealy Funeral Home 225 W. Main St. Waterford, WI (262)534-2233