Joseph T. Calabria, 96, of Wooster passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019 at his residence.
He was born July 15, 1923 in Wooster to Joseph and Josephine Medea Calabria. In June of 1950 he married Jeannette I. Coccia. She preceded him in death on April 26, 2015.
Joseph proudly served his country in the US Navy. In World War II, he served aboard the USS Eugene E. Elmore, a destroyer escort, as part of the anti-submarine group formed around the USS Block Island Aircraft Carrier. During the return protective passage from Casablanca, the Block Island and destroyer escort Barr were torpedoed. The Eugene E. Elmore sank the German submarine, then stood by the damaged USS Barr through the night, offloading her crew and wounded the next day. The Block Island was the only American carrier sunk in the Atlantic during the War. The Eugene E. Elmore then went to the South Pacific, joining the Seventh Fleet, working out of the Philippines providing cover for the landings at Subic Bay and escorting convoys to Okinawa.
Joe was the owner of Coccia House. He loved his family and friends, and he loved going to work every day and spending time with his customers whom he enjoyed developing relationships with throughout the years. Joseph always loved a glass of red wine and playing pinochle.
Surviving are a son Steve Calabria and daughter Karen Calabria, both of Wooster.
In addition to his wife, Jeannette, and parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his siblings Mary Roska, Jennie Tampian, Carmella Scale, Concetta Scale, Rosie Iannarelli, Dom Calabria, and Leon Calabria.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Wooster Community hospital and their home healthcare nurses, and Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, for all of their care given to Joe.
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster, on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, with Father Rich Samide officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Wooster.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, or St. Jude Children s Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
Memorial Contributions
Ohio s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, or St. Jude Children s Hospital at www.stjude.org.
Service
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m at St. Mary Catholic Church, 527 Beall Ave., Wooster, with Father Rich Samide officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Wooster.
Visitation
Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster, on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m.
Prayers for the family. Joe was a wonderful man & loved by the community. His smiling face will be missed.
Deeply sorry for the passing of Joe, our sympathies to the families..Coccia House won’t be the same without him..
Joe called me (fish). RIP Joe it was an honor knowing you and Jannete. I will never forget your warm smile you gave to all of your customers.
Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and the city of Wooster. What a sweet man he was and he will be missed by so many. May God comfort all that loved him.
My mother, Jeannette Torlone Misiti, was the younger cousin and namesake of Joe’s wife, Jeannette. Our family has always been so proud to be connected with Joe and Jeannette and the world-famous Coccia House. During our last visit, Uncle Joe learned that my son Domenic was a student at Notre Dame, and couldn’t talk about anything else for the rest of the visit. He so loved the Fighting Irish. God bless you Uncle Joe and Aunt Jeannette, and I hope you are enjoying a glass of wine together in Heaven right now. Thanks for all the joy you gave the world in your lives.
I am sorry to hear that Joe passed,what a great picture .He always was smiling what a great man.
Steve and Karen. My thoughts and Prayers go out to you both. Your dad was a wonderful man. always smiling,friendly. your mom too great lady. they both will be missed but not forgotten. Prayers
So sorry to hear about Joe. He used to run the cash register
When I came in to pick up pizza very friendly. I’ll be praying for your family at this sad time. He will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear about Joe passing, my heart goes out to Jeanette, Karen and Steve!! Joe you were by far the best boss I could of asked for during my teenage years always making me feel like family!! I was working for you when my dad died in 91 and you was the first one to make sure myself and my family was ok and wanted to help in any way!!I’m going to miss seeing you, your hug and that smile when I stop in for pizza!! RIP Joe you will be missed by so many
joe was such a loving and caring man my late husband always talked to him when we visited from florida and always told joe he needed to open up a coccia house 2 in florida he will be greatly missed
I’m sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, I grew up across the street from them, then raised my kids 16 years beside Joe and Jeanette, they were good people, your in my thoughts Steve and Karen.
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was the sweetest guy and one of my favorite customers when I worked at Buehlers. He always had a smile on his face and the nicest things to say to me. He always greeted me and my family warmly at the restaurant too. He will be missed.
Joe was easily the friendliest face in any establishment in Wooster. A true legend has passed. Thank you for the gift of ( the best ever ) Pizza and kindness in our little city.
Steve and Karen.
I am so glad I got to see your dad before the Delt reunion 2 weeks ago. I’m sure you don’t remember, but you both came to my wedding in Cincinnati in 1972 with your dad and mom. Joe was a very important part of my life while I was at Wooster. I will never forget him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Joe Calabria.
Our Deepest Sympathies, Love, Hugs, and Prayers to Steve and Karen, Calabria family, Coccia family, and to all who knew and loved Joe. He will certainly be missed.
Steve and Karen.
I’m sure you do not remember, but you and Joe and Jeanette all came to my wedding in Cincinnati in 1972. Joe was a very important part of my life while I was at Wooster. He called me “cake-eater”. You and your family are in my prayers. I will never forget your dad.
We are so sorry for your loss, we both have many fond memories of the times that we were in to get Pizza of his stopping to talk to the customers to see how their meals were and if the Pizza was just as they ordered it. But most of all I remember that he would ask after family members that he knew and I was able to tell him about them. Heaven gained a good Pizza maker when he went home. Rest In Peace Joe.
Joe made the best pizza in all of Wooster, Ohio. I remember being introduced to the restaurant when I was just a baby. I’love always remember his restaurant and always leaving with either a Tootsie Roll Pop or a mint. I’ll also remember a time when he had a jukebox in the entrance of the restaurant. On long weekends, my dad used to come to the restaurant and order a large pizza and he would also order an appetizer of fries. When we were at Coccia House, we were family. RIP Joe.
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Calabria. I did not know him personally but remember he always had a smile on his face and a sparkle to his eye. My thoughts to Jeff Raynor and Coccia family. I am sure you have so many wonderful memories to carry close to your heart and to bring a smile to your faces in the coming years. RIP.
My prayers are with the family. He will be truly missed by his customers, not walking among and greeting them all. He himself was an icon. Farewell
sorry to hear of the passing of Joe . brought back happy memories of our wed. night orrville booster club after meeting meal with 3 the works pizza joe would sit and talk football for hours those are memories you never forget
sorry to hear of the passing of Joe . brought back happy memories of our wed. night orrville booster club after meeting meal with 3 the works pizza joe would sit and talk football for hours those are memories you never forget
Sending love and comfort to Karen and Steve at this difficult time. I always enjoyed seeing Joe whenever I came in for the legendary Coccia House pizza. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
With love,
The Boss family
What a darling Joe was! He was always so sweet and kind to all of us fans of the Coccia House! We know he’ll be there, hovering over all of us, as we continue to support our favorite gathering place in Wooster! Karen and Steve, Jeff, Kim, and everyone who works there and ever worked there, we give our sincere sympathy over losing Joe being there in person.
We loved Joe and we love all of you. You give us more than just the tastiest pizza in the world! You all have some of Joe’s sweetness in you!
Much love, Jimmy and Susi
Our condolences to Joe’s family, friends and restaurant staff. I remember going to Coccia House when I was young and seeing him there. He was always smiling and pleasant to talk to. Wooster has certainly lost an icon.
Always loved going into Coccia’s and seeing Joe. He greeted me with a smile and a hello every time. I will miss seeing his sweet face. Prayers to the family.
Steve and Karen my thoughts and prayers are with you. So sorry for your loss. Coccia House will not be the same without his smiling face and friendly hello when he saw you.
My condolences to Joe’s family,friends and Coccia House employees. He will be missed. He was always smiling
So sorry Karen and Steve and the entire Coccia family and community. Joe is such a good friend and mentor to so many and will be missed, but never forgotten.
Son of Alice Coccia Egan -cousin to Jeannette, and John Egan, Denis Egan here.
Dad, John Egan – would help with accounting books there, and
Denis and his brother John remember playing together upstairs with Steve and Karen.
and having that mouthwatering pizza downstairs.
So we continue family pilgrimages to the Coccia House, and will come to pay last respects
to Joe, and share prayers and condolences with Steve and Karen.
Allot of great memories Joe always happy to talk to me. My family knew him well. Bursani Rudy, Ray. Many more he’s with them in heaven now talking about old days.
Steve and Karen, my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father. Such fond memories of your parents and mine! There’s a huge reunion going on in heaven~! God Bless!
rest in peace
We grew up going to Cocoa House not only throughout high school, but came back every time we were in town long after we moved from Wooster. What made this special was the fantastic pizza, but more importantly Joe would always welcome us back with a big smile and firm handshake. Joe always made us feel like family. RIP Joe.
Steve and Karen so sorry for your loss. Joe was always there to great every one
Always got Coccia pizza when returning to Wooster. Joe didn’t always remember
my name but knew I was a Nirode. He will be greatly missed
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed talking to Joe when we picked up our pizza on our way home to Columbus. He was a great guy.
So sorry for your loss. My grandmother lived across from Coccia’s. She’d order pizza sometimes and send us after it. Mrs. Anne Stillwagner. So long ago.
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing.He truly was a great guy.
All his family is in our prayers.
Steve and Karen,
I am very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He’ll be missed by many who loved and appreciated him.
So very sorry !! Joe is in no pain, not old, feeling great !! Prayers for all !!
Our prayers go out to the Calabria Family. Your Father touched many lives in a very positive way. He served his community faithfully. He was a friend and mentor to many. He will live on in the hearts of those he came in contact with.
Stebe and Karen: I always enjoyed speaking with your father when back in Wooster and picking up
A pizza at Coccia House. He will be missed by many. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Joe was a wonderful man and a long time landmark of Wooster. I met Joe in 1966 when I took my now wife, there for our first date. He was always so kind and because I knew Steve over the years Joe and I stayed in touch as we would always visit for a pizza when visiting our hometown. His smiling face will be missed as you go in to pick up your pizza. He sure seemed to live life to the fullest and i’m sure he’s smiling down on his family now!!!! Good bye Joe!!!
Karen.. we are praying you have wonderful memories brought to mind .. they will bring you much comfort at this time.. Your Dad lived an amazing life and touched so many..We are blessed to have met such a great man with a wonderful family! Sincerely Julie and Jeff Snyder
Karen.. we are praying you have wonderful memories brought to mind .. they will bring you much comfort at this time.. Your Dad lived an amazing life and touched so many..We are blessed to have met such a great man with a wonderful family! Sincerely Julie and Jeff Snyder
Karen & Steve, sorry for your loss. I will always remember the Christmas Eve’s when our families spent time together; it was so special.. I stopped by before leaving on vacation to visit with Joe. Will miss him & Jeanette. Rest in peace, my godfather, love you.
With tears in my eyes, I say goodbye to a lovely Wooster legend. Joe was much a part of the story of my life because I have been going to Coccia House since it opened. What great times laughing with Joe, and sharing a glass of wine together. Our sympathies to Karen, Steve, and the Coccia House family.Such a blessing to have Joe with us for 96 years, and we would have kept him forever if we could. Well, Joe, instead of vacationing in “Red Haw” you will be resting well in the best place of all, Heaven.I know we will feel your spirit hovering over us while we enjoy a pizza at Coccia’s Diane Bailey & Bruce Leatherman
Steve and Karen, your father will be greatly missed. My gratitude to your Mom and Dad for creating the best most awesome pizza and a welcoming place to enjoy it.
For those of us lucky enough to have had the opportunity to know Joe and this little place called Coccia House is truly special. I can’t think of a time over the past 40+ yrs when visiting Coccia House that he didn’t stop by to say hi, ask how I was doing and my family. He will be missed but never forgotten and our prayers go out to the family.
I am so sorry that we have all lost Joe. He will be missed by hundreds of his customers. Prayers for his family. I will miss him. He was one of the ‘lights’ of Wooster.
I am so sorry that we have all lost Joe. He will be missed by hundreds of his customers. Prayers for his family. I will miss him. He was one of the ‘lights’ of Wooster.
Karen and Steve,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family today on the passing of your father. You’ve lost a great Dad. The town has lost a wonderful restaurateur. We have lost a true friend. We already miss him, but will never forget him.
steve and karen so sorry for your loss god bless
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a great man with a sweet smile. Always so nice when we would visit the restaurant. My mom Alice Coccia Egan was a cousin of Jeannette and she always spoke fondly of her Wooster family and Coccia House. Prayers sent your way.
Karen and Steve
I am so sorry to learn of Joe’s passing. The entire community shares with you the loss of a true icon. May the angels welcome him to paradise! I pray that you may be at peace knowing he is at peace.
A wonderfully warm and kind gentleman who always made me feel welcome during my visits. RIP My deepest sympathy to Steve and Karen…miss you!
A wonderfully warm and kind gentleman who always made me feel welcome during my visits. RIP My deepest sympathy to Steve and Karen…miss you!
Steve and Karen…So sorry to hear about your dad..Wooster lost a great American…we wish you comforting condolences.
Joe touched so many lives in a friendly and positive manner. My late mother, Yolanda (Yankello) Vura grew up with Joe and always spoke so highly of him. A member of the greatest generation and one of the hardest working members of the “Italian community” in Wooster, Joe set a high standard for others to follow regarding work and fun. I will miss him on my periodic trips back to Wooster. Thank you for your warmth and kindness. Heaven has gained our loss. God bless Joe and his family.
My thoughts are with you, Karen, Steve, Jeff and the whole family. What a great guy, father, and friend he was. The world is a better place because of Joe.
Steve and Karen Sorry to hear of Joes passing your family will be in our prayers. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Our Grandsons will miss him. They always talked about him when we brought them in for pizza.
My Prayers and love go out to Joe’s family. From the time I was 8 years old, Joe would give me big hugs and that wonderful smile; I called him my Italian Papa because he filled the gap for my father who had already passed on. I loved him and will always hold the wonderful memories in my heart. Thanks to you all for sharing such a terrific dad/uncle with me. Betsy
Thank you for many years of Coccia Pizza’s, smiles and good will. Will miss you Joe. Karen and Steve: I am so sorry for the sorrow you have had in the last couple years loosing both parents. Good luck in your futures. You have big shoes to fill.
What an incredible life! Thank you for sharing your life with this wonderful community and for providing an amazing place to gather, with the BEST pizza in the whole world! Your presence and smile will be missed at Coccia House, but you will always be there, among us. My condolences and love to the family, thank you all for being so amazing.
Coccia House Pizza and late night movies were my childhood!