John J. Cox Jr.

John J. Cox, Jr., passed away at 80 in Danbury, Connecticut on August 30, 2020 following a brief illness. He was predeceased by his wife, Marie Joost-Cox, his mother Katherine (Kitty) Lehane and father, John J. Cox. He is survived by his wife Maryellen of Ridgefield, CT, daughters Johanna Cox (Stephen) of Columbia, MO, Fredrica Elliott (Michael) of Seattle, WA, Moriah Olsen (Keith) of Nyack, NY, Jennifer Donovan (Brian) of Bethlehem, NH, stepchildren, Lisa Mosley (Jim) of Ponte Vedra, FL, Ashley O’Branovich (Brian) of Hermosa Beach, CA, and Trenton Reich (Kate) of Rochdale, MA, as well as twelve grandchildren. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by many cousins and countless friends

Born in Brooklyn, NY on December 19, 1939, the son of a New York City police officer and a telecommunication worker, John entered Jesuit seminary after graduating from Brooklyn Prep High School. After leaving seminary, he graduated from Fordham University and became a high school teacher and principal, earning an EdD from Columbia University. His work in education brought him to Coventry, Rhode Island where he met and married Marie and instantly became part of a large family, including four daughters. His educational pursuits eventually led the whole family to Bayport, NY where he served as principal at Patchogue-Medford HS. Shortly after moving to NY, John set his sights on a new career as a financial advisor.  In that capacity he worked for Prudential Bache, Merrill Lynch, AG Edwards and Wells Fargo. He combined his love of teaching with his new career by specializing in offering retirement seminars, particularly to teachers planning for their future.

In his personal life, he had a love of and gift for languages.  He was able to converse in French, Italian and was recently expanding his use of Spanish. His language skills were enhanced by his travels.  He and Maryellen were fortunate to have been able to travel to Europe, including their beloved Paris, in recent years. John loved his children and grandchildren and encouraged in them a love of theater (most of them are quite dramatic) a love of music and a quest for knowledge.  In recent years, John became very concerned with social justice and racial equality. 

The family is planning a memorial service in the Spring of 2021 when we can more safely be together and celebrate his life.  In lieu of flowers, John would have loved donations to one of his two favorite charitable organizations The Fresh Air Fund or The Southern Poverty Law Center. Arrangements are being handled by Kane Funeral Home in Ridgefield, CT. He will be missed by all.

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