Joseph John Kocian Jr

Joseph John Kocian Jr – December 25, 1948 – September 27, 2026

Joseph John Kocian Jr, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 27, 2026. Born on Christmas Day in 1948 in Pittsburgh, Joe brought a little extra light into the world from the very start, and he kept sharing it right up until the end. Joe was a young man of just 19 when he served in the Vietnam War with the US Army. His time in uniform was cut short by friendly fire, an experience that shaped him but never dimmed his spirit. Anyone who spent time with Joe knew that spirit well. He had a one of a kind sense of humor, a silly streak, and a gift for making people laugh no matter the day they were having. He loved to cook, and he loved to spoil the children in his life every chance he got. Music was always close to his heart, especially bluegrass and country, and he could happily pass the time with a good television show, a card game, or a lively round of trivia. A lover of history, Joe was always good for an interesting conversation and never ran short on things to talk about. In his later years, Joe found real joy among his fellow veterans and the staff at the Butler VA CLC, where he played chess, cards, trivia, and all sorts of games. He was the kind of man who helped whenever he felt he could, and he was simply a pleasure to be around. Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Frances Zaverchenuk (Zack); his father, Joseph John Kocian, Sr.; his brother, Lawrence Dwayne Kocian; and his nephew, Stephen Pfab Jr. He leaves behind his brothers, Jerry Kocian and Ronald Alan Kocian; his sisters, Beverly Diane English and Marcia Lynn Pfab; and many nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward, including Theresa E Miller, Sandra E Kocian, Randy Pfab, Nick Pfab, Justin Pfab, Kelly Pfab, and Jessica Medich. In keeping with his generous nature, Joe wished to gift his body to science, and those wishes have been honored. No immediate services are planned. Joe will be overwhelmingly missed by many. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the same laughter and love he gave so freely.