We are saddened to learn of the death of long-time GCI elder and employee Joseph (“Joe”) Kotora on July 12. Joe’s wife Mae preceded him in death as did his parents Michael and Barbara Kotora and his two brothers and three sisters. Joe is survived by his three children: Jana Cardona (married to Mark Cardona), Sandra Kotora and Daniel Kotora; and by his many grandchildren.
Joe was born in Pennsylvania and in early adulthood worked there building steel mills. During WWII he worked building ships and met his wife-to-be Mae. They married and settled in Monessen, Pennsylvania where they raised their family. Joe became a deacon and then an elder in the Worldwide Church of God in Pennsylvania. In the 1970s, he and Mae moved to Pasadena, California where Joe attended Ambassador College. He then worked for many years for the church, serving in several capacities, including traveling with Herbert Armstrong. Due to ill health, Joe and Mae moved back to Pennsylvania in the 1990s where he served WCG churches as a volunteer assistant pastor. In 2007 the couple moved to Memphis, Tennessee to be near family.
Joe was born with a congenital heart defect. Later in life he made medical history twice: once when becoming the first person in the US to have his particular heart defect repaired, and again when he was the first person to survive receipt of an artificial heart valve.
Cards to the family may be sent to:
Sandra Kotora 7323 Appling Ridge Drive Cordova, TN 38018
To Sandy and Family,
Hazel and I send condolences regarding the loss of a friend, fellow servant in Pasadena, and great Christian. We had the utmost respect for Joe and Mae the years we worked together in Auditorium AM church. We knew Sandy pretty well and Danny somewhat. Joe left a meaningful legacy and I’m sure he finished his race well.
I was privileged to know Joe many years ago as a man of integrity and conviction who had the courage to stand up for what he believed and the kindness to do it with grace. He always struck me as one of those rare people who lived on the bright side of life.
We met Joe & Mae in CA, were blessed to get to know & serve with them in the same Congregation in Pasadena. Were susprised & delighted to see him in services at COF when we relocated to Cordova TN, in 2007. He was beaming with joy & love as always. He was a true example of perseverance,joy & hope. We look forward to our next meeting!
May God, Through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, keep you all snuggled in His all loving and compassionate arms during this time of loss – and always.
In Christian Love
Grace Covenant Fellowship
Alabama
Just a word of thanks for all the many cards even from people in the church Dad never knew sending prayers and words of faith and encouragement. In his humility, Dad could not comprehend why people were making such a fuss about him. He never wavered in his faith in God nor did he fear death. He never complained once and remained a pleasant and loving person to be around right up until the very end. I know his loss is a huge one to many of you. It is a devastating one to our family. He was greatly loved and cherished. Thanks again for all your prayers, which are still needed by all of us surviving his loss. I know he is free and shining his love down upon us all as is Mom. God be with all of you.