Charlie A. Coco, born July 13, 1911, in Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully July 22, 2010, in the comfort of his home.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Yolanda Sanchez Coco; step-children, Cynthia Reeves, Diana Wilcox, Oscar Sanchez, Charlie Sanchez, and Jimmy Sanchez; sister, Concetta Walker; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; step grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Charlie was the oldest of eight children of the late Joe and Concetta Chimeno Coco who immigrated from Cefalu, Italy. In his boyhood years, Charlie helped his father run their family grocery business. It was during this time that Charlie learned the value of honest, hard work.
In his late teens, Charlie began to apply his knowledge of business and opened a Sandwich Shop on Sabine Pass Road. His sister, Teresa and brother, Sam worked along side him to operate a successful venture. Shortly after opening this business enterprise, Charlie married Rhozine Sparks. They were united for sixty-five years. Only months after the marital vows were exchanged, Charlie was drafted into the Navy. He served a short time in World War II and received a medical discharge and returned home to his loving wife.
Upon his return, Charlie decided to pursue a career in plumbing. He achieved the highest title given to plumbers a “Licensed Master Plumber” and started his own plumbing business, Sabine Plumbing Company. In 2005, he finally retired at the young age of ninety-four, but continued taking courses to keep his master plumber license current. His dedication to his trade was honored when Coburn Supply presented him with a plaque naming Charlie Coco as the oldest active living plumber in Texas. His license number was #157. There are currently over 30,000 master licensed plumbers in Texas today!
It can truly be said that Charlie Coco lived a long, fruitful life. He touched the lives of many people through his trade and good works. During his working years Charlie trained several young men to become plumbers. Even after all the funny stories of hard work and long hours, these men can proudly present their master plumbers licenses and openly thank Mr. Coco for teaching them a trade that has served them well.
Although he retired his company in 2005, Charlie did not slow down, his zest for life and love of family kept him going. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed being an avid hunter. Charlie Coco was far from a recluse. He visited his family and friends often. He had a weekly visitation schedule that he maintained for many years. Planned visits were with his nephew, Joe Ramey at Cocomo Joe’s, Ed Simon at Tri-Supply, Friday lunch visits with the crew at TexJoy Coffee, and Saturday morning coffee and donuts with his longtime friend J.C. Modica at Modica Bros.
Even after the toughest test of life, the illness and death of his beloved Rhozine he became a newlywed and united with Yolanda Sanchez. They traveled extensively to many exotic destinations, he had hopes of catching “that boat” once again to cruise the coast in celebration of his ninety-ninth birthday, when he was challenged once more with the biggest task of all fighting for his life.
Charlie Coco will be missed by all who knew him. Family gatherings will never be the same. We have been blessed with the opportunity of knowing and sharing many fond memories with him. Charlie’s wisdom regarding business matters and unselfish regard towards family helped to mold our lives and these principles will be passed down through many generations.
His family wishes to extend extra special thanks to Joe Ramey, Vincent Paul Coco and Dominick Faraci who unselfishly gave of their time to frequently visit and help Mr. Coco.
A very special thank you is extended to his loving care-giver, Patricia Wright-Ozen for her sweet Christian spirit which brought encouragement and support to his wife Mrs. Yolanda Coco in these trying times. Thanks to care givers, Connie Wilkerson, Gwendolyn and Glen Comeaux, and the staff and care givers of Odyssey Hospice, and Jefferson County Home Health.
Pallbearers include, Joe Ramey, J.C. Modica, Michael Reeves, Vincent Paul Coco, Carl Walker, and Jamie Borsellino. Honorary pallbearers are Ray Maddux, Ed Simon, Leo Morales, Mike Ayala, Gilbert “Click” Caudillo, Oscar Sanchez, Charlie Sanchez and Jimmy Sanchez.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 26, 2010, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 Orange Street, Beaumont, with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue. A Rosary will be recited at 3:00 p.m., Sunday July 25, 2010, at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 Orange Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
