Christopher "Coco" William Cokos Jr.

Mr. Christopher William "Coco" Cokos, Jr., age 64, of Dushore, PA, passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at the Guthrie Memorial Skilled Nursing Unit in Towanda, PA, after a lingering illness.             Chris was born in Philadelphia, PA, the loving son of Ruth M. Manness Cokos, and the late Christopher W. Cokos, Sr., and grew up in Levittown, PA. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1971, and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in special education (minor in journalism) in 1975 from East Stroudsburg University, with additional graduate coursework. He taught for several years in school districts in Bucks County PA.             In the early 1980’s, Chris relocated to Dushore, PA, and made it home. He gave much to his community, but always said he got so much more in return. He worked effortlessly on behalf of kids with disabilities, with his personal perspective fighting his own battle with cerebral palsy since birth.             Chris loved sports, both as a spectator and a player when he was able. He seldom missed an Eagles or Phillies game. He so enjoyed watching and coaching Little League baseball. Chris was blessed with a wonderful singing voice and he shared it over the years in school chorales and church choirs. He volunteered countless hours coaching, tutoring, entertaining, and telling stories to kids and adults alike. He helped with Meals on Wheels and was always pitching in on fundraisers. He worked diligently for children, as a member of the school board, never hesitating to provide his expertise, even when his point of view was not popular.                     He was elected and served two terms on the Sullivan County School Board and also a district representative to PA School Board Association.             Chris had an incredible memory for facts and figures, particularly for sports, music, and movies. In trivia games everyone wanted to be on his team. His love of and talent for writing is well documented in the hundreds of articles published in the Sullivan Review. He shared so many personal experiences, reported on a variety of topics, and spun some wonderful tales.             Several years ago, Chris took classes in order to become a Catholic and joined St. Basil's parish, accomplishments which brought him much joy. Chris made friends wherever he went in the world. He fiercely loved his family and friends.           He is survived by his mother, Ruth Cokos, of Ocala FL, sister, Linda (Ted) Johnson, of Valdosta GA, and brother, James Cokos of St. Cloud, FL., and dozens of close friends from far and near.   Chris left us with this message ... "Chris ('Coco') Cokos Jr. has crossed home plate. He had the time of his life. Love your family and friends as I did. No sadness, no flowers. Remember our libraries and children as Coco did. Thank a person who has made a difference in your life. To my extended family and friends, 'God Bless You All.'"             A joyous Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 7th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Basil’s Church, Dushore, PA with his pastor, Rev. Richard Rojas, presiding. Interment will follow in the adjoining parish cemetery.             Coco and family ask that Memorial Contributions be sent to:  St. Basil’s Church, PO Box 307, Dushore, PA 18614; Dushore Fire & Ambulance Assn., PO Box 1, Dushore, PA 18614 or Sullivan County Children & Youth, PO Box 157, Laporte, PA 18626.   Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614             To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com   To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Christopher "Coco" William Cokos Jr., please visit our flower store.