We were saddened to learn of the death of John Coco who had served as an elder in the Chicago area. John was born in 1926, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, then married Dolores Jones. They have five children and several grandchildren. Here is a tribute written by a family member.
It was with great sadness that we said goodbye to a man who was a hero in many ways. At John’s funeral, someone stated they did not believe John was afraid of anything. I believe that to be a true of him. It’s also true that he lived his faith, using it to bring change and growth, reaching out to the “little guys,” taking care of widows, picking people up for church, giving money and groceries to those in need, and encouraging younger ministers, assuring them that he had their back.
Though a jokester and a corker, I think all of us would say that he knew how to love—and that he did, genuinely. John loved God, his wife, family, and other people. He is dearly missed, and fondly thought of. He will not be forgotten.
All is Well
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
let it be spoken without effect,
without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Henry Scott Holland 1847-1918
Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedra
We thank God for people like him who devoted his life serving God by serving His people. Salute to hero like you Mr. John
Praying for the family members.
I extend my love and condolences to the Coco family. I had high regards for the service he rendered the brethren, Many years ago over the weekend my whole family stayed with during a feast day. For you of the Coco family John is in God’s hands along with the rest of the family. The death of John does not take him nor you the family out of the circle. Death changes the way we share but not the fact that we are still there with him (Christ)as John is with him (Christ). That what we mean by the “The communion of Saints” — communion within the Trinitarian communion, a communion that death cannot destroy. We the living and John have communion that death cannot destroy. 1Thes 4:13-18 tells us that we are not to grieve like the rest. But we the living and dead have daily communion with Christ. May bGod bless you and the family.
Blessings, Gene Koch
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It is so difficult to lose those so close to us in this life. May God, through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, keep you and your family snuggled in His loving and caring arms during this time – and always.
In Christ
Grace Covenant Fellowship
Birmingham, Alabama