John R. Cox

JOHN R. COX, 96, of Bryan, Ohio died May 17, 2011, in Bryan. John retired in 1977 from a career in manufacturing and management spent in Trenton, New Jersey, Dorset, Ohio, and Stryker, Ohio. He was born in Glen Olden, Pennsylvania, and raised in West Trenton, New Jersey. He wished to become a physician, but the Great Depression limited his academic career to two years at the University of Pennsylvania. He began his working career as a chef for the Trenton State Hospital where he cooked three meals daily for a staff of four hundred. He was a talented chef all his life. As a young man he was an enthusiastic singer in choral music and a trained soloist in churches, synagogues and oratorio societies. In eastern Ohio he led a group of like-minded parents in uniting several school districts to expand educational opportunities for area students. He continuously manifested moral courage. Recently he joined others in successfully opposing the establishment of an industrial chicken farming operation east of town. Coming from a large family, he valued close ties and a lively sense of humor. Though he could be stubborn in his passionate views, he was ready to laugh at himself. He revealed a tender, sensitive heart to those whose needs and cares evoked his ready sympathy. He delighted in beauty, excellence and unexpected graces and was guided by a spirit of gratitude. Through his children he leaves a heritage of service. With his wife he proudly maintained their Bryan home where they lived independently until his death. He was preceded in death by his sister Eva Astbury and his brother William Cox, both of New Jersey. He is survived by his spouse of 71 years, Charlotte Staples Cox; brother James Cox of Newark, Delaware; sister Isabel Zulker of Richland, Pennsylvania; children Marcus (Joan) Cox of Saint Paul, Michael (Katherine) Cox of Singapore, and Mary Lynn (Jorge Bosso) Cox of Madrid, Spain; grandchildren Camilo Bosso of Madrid, Charles Cox of Minneapolis, Giovanni Bosso of Madrid, Jennifer Cox of Los Angeles, Jessica Cox of New York City, Peter Cox of Atlanta, and Leandro Bosso of Madrid; and sixteen nieces and nephews. Family observances will take place in New Jersey. Krill Funeral Service, 860 West Mulberry, Bryan, Ohio is in charge of local arrangements.