Joseph Anthony Kocab

 Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Antoinette, his brother Norbert (Joanna), his nephew Joe, and life companion Georgia Jencik. He is survived by his nieces, Anita Schafer, Patricia (Stu) Godfrey, Joanna (Ron) White and Dianne Kocab, many great-nieces and nephews, and several godchildren. 

 Joe was a proud graduate of Benedictine High School. He received his B.A. in zoology and his master’s degree in educational administration from Ohio University. 

 He was a teacher and department head at John Adams High School in Cleveland from 1955-65 and served there as assistant principal in 1967. He was also assistant principal at Rawlings Junior High and South High schools from 1969-85. 

 Joe was the co-founder, along with Vaclav Hyvnar, of the Czech Voice of Cleveland, a radio program which he hosted for 49 years.

He was also the secretary of Ceska Sin Karlin for more than 45 years. He was a past president of the Czech Catholic Union, a past president of the Saint Joseph Society #156, a member of the Knights of St John and of St John’s Men’s Club, and a member of Sokol Greater Cleveland for more than 50 years. 

 Joe was an educator, friend, and mentor, whose reputation was built and maintained with a singular focus on service. He had a lifelong commitment to advancing the Czech heritage and community.

Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 6, 2023 from 4:00-7:00pm at St. John Nepomucene Church (E.50th & Fleet Ave.) where Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00am.  Private Interment. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Benedictine High School Scholarship Fund, St. John Nepomucene Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church or Sokol Greater Cleveland/Bohemian National Hall.