Joseph Charles Cotrone

Joseph Charles Cotrone, was born November 12, 1941 in Houston TX, to Charles and Lena Cotrone. Joe passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023 at the age of 82. Joe attended Saint Theresa Parochial school, graduated from Saint Thomas High School (1960) and continued his education at the University of Saint Thomas (1964). He was in the Reserve of the United States Air Force (1971) prior to kickstarting his 25 year career with Big Blue, IBM. He lived in Dallas and worked in the stock market. When returning to Houston, he worked at Sam Houston Racetrack and also for Earthman’s Funeral Home. Joe successfully closed out his career in residential real estate. He loved and participated in a range of things during his life. From outdoor hobbies such as riding in the Salt Grass Trail at a young age, traveling to the many different racetracks across the U.S. with loved ones. Even owning a partnership in a cabin cruiser boat based out of Galveston. Joe loved adventure, and he loved bringing his family and friends along for the journey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lena Martino Cotrone, and his brother Louis and sister-in-law Peg Cotrone, and sister Lucille Cotrone Pitarra and brother-in-law Nick Pitarra, plus numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his son, Jonathan Cotrone and daughter Cathryn Cotrone Renfrow, son-in-law Jason Renfrow, and grand dog Rio, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was a long, active and loyal member of Saint Theresa Church and later in life Prince of Peace. Joe was a dedicated member of Knights of Columbus, former President of the Keenagers (55+ senior group at POP) and loved serving as an usher. As a Lifetime member of HLSR, Joe loved the rodeo and never turned down giving tours of the animals. He was coined as the "chicken man".

Everyone in the family called him Baby Joe and his legacy and smile will live on through the many lives he affected, memories he created, and most of all, his family. The importance of family was instilled at a young age. In his early years, the Cotrone families interacted on a daily basis living less than a block from the church, Saint Theresa's, which was located in Camp Logan / West End. Joe's brother Louis Cotrone was a priest at Saint Theresa's. Joe and his family would take long and short trips together often to Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns, some fishing trips to the bay and frequenting the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. His love for ponies was in his DNA which he created many fond family memories. These trips continued his entire lifetime and influenced many to acquire the love of the ponies. He often had tons of tickets on the table with him and his cousin Louis Michael hollering well above other folks for just about every horse in the race. Their hours of research resulted in usually breaking even. Now that he is in Heaven - he is a winner forever more.

His initials are "J C '', which he joked about often being the same as Jesus Christ. Joe was a blessing and a gift to all of us who knew him. His wisdom and guidance was always of the highest integrity, and his heart and soul were rooted in compassion, love, and joy. His eyes twinkled, his smile was a beam of light, and his laugh was infectious. He genuinely cared for those he knew. He had a strong faith in God and respected folks. He prioritized God, his family, and his friends. Baby Joe enjoyed cooking and his most famous specialty was eggplant parmesan, which he loved to share with fun and fellowship. Most of all he loved his children and would do anything for them. Joe finished his life journey with both his beloved children by his side during 2023.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 2, 2023 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary at 7:00 PM in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, January 3, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell Street, Houston, Texas 77007. Burial will follow in The Garden of Gethsemani at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas 77023.