Joseph F. Koczera

Joseph F. Koczera, age 92, went home to the Lord on March 22, 2018. Joseph was born in Ambridge, Pennsylvania in 1926 to the late John and Frances (Walter) Koczera, Josephs early life involved assisting his father, who was a steel mill crane operator. After some local shipyard experience he entered the Army, later receiving an honorable discharge, having served in the Signal Corps. After locating to Columbus, Ohio he had brief employment at the Ohio Theatre as Head Usher, and also used his carpentry skills in the local housing market. His most extensive and rewarding career began in 1951, working in the military aircraft industry at North American/Rockwell in Columbus. Josephs first installation project there was the F-86 SABRE fighter jet. This is the plane Marine officer (and future astronaut) John Glenn flew serving our country. Many safety and service awards, along with faithful blood donor contributions were part of his loyal on-time 38 year service record. The B-1 Bomber was his last aircraft contract prior to retiring in 1988. Joseph and his loving wife, Jacqueline, who passed away in 1996, enjoyed music, dancing, and bowling. Locating to Thornville in 1961 to their family farm, together they had the pleasure of growing many exotic vegetables in their wonderful garden. Their children were blessed to enjoy fresh milk, the joy of many cats, dogs, and 4-H horses, including favorites Liz, Penny, Katie, Sandy, Boomer and Buffy. Joseph always enjoyed picking berries by the bucketful after work in the summer and Josephs coffee cups would be found scattered throughout the farm highlighting his joy of coffee and being outside. Also, Josephs fondness for his grandchildren, chicken soup, and tootsie rolls remained until the end. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, two brothers and three sisters; in-laws, John and Lora Rossi; step-daughter, Launa; and grandson, Tommy Boyd. Joseph is survived by his loving caretaker and daughter, Cindy Jo Fields; her son, Jason Fields and his wife Elizabeth, along with their beautiful children, Emma, Noah and Georgia Mae. Also surviving are step-son, David Thomas Boyd and his wife Pat, and daughter Angel; step-grandchildren, Wesley Boyd, Stacy Rine, and Matthew Rine; Colorado great-grandchildren, Daylan and Hayden Rine; and great-great granddaughter, Genevieve Rine. Sincere gratitude is expressed to Janet and Mike Slonaker, very kind and loving neighbors, always there for Joseph when needed. Thank you to the FairHope Hospice staff for helping to navigate Josephs final days, and to our church family and friends for their comforting prayers. No viewing will be observed. Private family and close friends will gather for a graveside memorial service at Fairmount Cemetery on March 29, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Joseph requested that contributions be made to his grandchildrens college fund. Contact Jason Fields via jfields164@gmail.com or 614.975.4611 to contribute. Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service in Thornville is honored to care for Joseph and his family.