Joseph C. Cocalis

Captain Joseph C. Cocalis, 74, of Point Marion, Pa., died Thursday, August 7, 2025, following a long battle with Parkinson Disease. Born September 23, 1950, in Elizabeth, N.J., a son of the late James and Eleanor (Hopkins) Cocalis, he was proud of his Greek Heritage. Also deceased is his wife, Donna Fuhs Cocalis March 30, 2021.
Joe graduated from the University of Texas, and received his Masters Degree in Engineering of Mines from West Virginia University.
He honorable served in the U.S. Army, and later was with the U.S. Public Health Service and detailed to the U.S. Coast Guard. He retired as a captain with the Public Health Service, and worked at and retired from NIOSH in Morgantown, where he was an industrial hygienist.
He was active with the Friendship Hill Association; the Point Marion Rotary, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and a member of the Paul Harris Society; the NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying), where he helped to develop the professional exams; and with the Country Road Cyclists. In his spare time, he enjoyed bicycling, puzzling, cross country skiing, canoeing and playing the stock market.
Joe’s “never give up” attitude in dealing with his illness over the years was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Surviving are his wife, Cynthia L. Cocalis; two sons, Dwight (Stephany Moody) Sisk of Sykesville, Md., and Travis (Janelle Barnhart) of Chesapeake, Va.; his grandchildren, Noah, Kiley, Garrett and Peyton Sisk; two sisters, Susan Cocalis and Michelle Sharkin; two brothers, Guy Cocalis and Ralph Cocalis; his special great-grandchildren, Griyson, Kallie, Layla, Adelyn, Harper, Jenson, Raegan and Brier; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends in the Richard R. Herod Funeral Home, Point Marion, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., the time of funeral services, Monday, August 11, with Rich Schimansky and the Rev. George Relic officiating. Interment, with military honors, will take place at a later date.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be offered to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn.
www.herod-rishel.com