Joe was born on July 18, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to Mary Jo and Joseph C. Zotz, Sr. He grew up in San Antonio and attended Highlands High School. After graduating in 1968, he worked at City Public Service while attending San Antonio College. He later continued his education in El Paso at The University of Texas at El Paso, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in the winter of 1977 and a Master of Science in School Administration in the spring of 1991 from A&I in Kingsville.
While in El Paso, Joe began coaching middle school sports and continued coaching in the surrounding area for seven years before returning to San Antonio. Upon his return, he taught and coached at John F. Kennedy High School, Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School, Thomas Jefferson High School, and Thomas Edison High School. He also coached at John Greenleaf Whittier Middle School and St. Anthony Catholic High School before retiring in 2010.
His famous saying, “If it has a ball, I can coach it, and if it has a book, I can teach it,” truly rang true. Many of his teams won district championships throughout the years, and he firmly believed in his vocation as an educator and coach. He dedicated his career to the betterment of his students and athletes in the classroom, on the field, and in life.
While working in San Antonio, he met Vivian, the love of his life, the mother of his 3 children and wife of 41 years. Together they mentored and advocated for the young people they were blessed to meet. They loved to go dancing, listen to music, and attend sporting events. They also enjoyed supporting their children in all their extracurricular activities. After recently becoming a grandpa, Joe loved spending as much time as possible with his three grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his wife, Vivian Zotz; his children, Kimberly Zotz, Kurt Zotz, and Katlyn Zotz; and his grandchildren, Barrett Robinson, Wesson Robinson, and Dani Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jo and Joseph C. Zotz, Sr.; his sister, Lessie Zotz; and his brother, Wesley Zotz, Sr.
Those who knew and loved Joe will remember him for his sense of humor and his dad jokes. He could make friends anywhere, even in the checkout line at H-E-B. He loved his family, he loved coaching, and he loved his faith. Even when moving around became difficult, he always wanted to go to church or spend time with his grandchildren. His spirit and his heart were cherished by many.
Joe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family will receive friends at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 N. Loop1604 E., with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3303 Urban Crest Dr. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.
