Joseph Manley Cox Jr

Dad was born to Maude and Joseph M. Cox, Sr. in the fall of 1922 in Washington County, on the shores of North Carolina. At nineteen, he married Lois Aldine Mitchell and joined the U.S. Navy for service during WWII. Joe and Lois started their journey in 1941 and they shared 78 years of marriage together. Dad relocated to Connecticut in 1962 to continue his federal civil service career and serve as the Director of Quality Assurance Division, Naval Plant Representative Office (NAVPRO), Sikorsky Aircraft. His leadership, management, and control of multiple processes ensured that the Blackhawk and Seahawk helicopter programs remained on schedule to support the Department of Defense; the Blackhawk remains an iconic helicopter in U.S. military history. Early retirement at 57 meant a move back to North Carolina and many opportunities to travel in their Airstream trailer. Winters often found them in Florida or cruising into Mexico – with only a map – no GPS or cell phones were available!

Surviving children: Brenda (Tony), Beverly, and Joseph III (Natalie). In addition, three grandchildren have enjoyed lots of years with their “Grampy”. Shayna (Mike), John, Lana (Jared), and Joseph IV (Kaitlin) each left with favorite memories.

Another threesome includes great-grandsons Keaton, Ayden, and an inbound great-grandson scheduled to arrive in July, Joseph V – to carry on the family name!

Dad was a one of kind; he had 101 trips around the sun, lived under 18 Presidents, and didn’t suffer fools lightly. Many thanks to Dad’s primary caregiver, Felecia Thorpe, for her kindness to Dad over the years.

Interment will be private; there will be no public visitation per request of the immediate family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.