TAMPA, Fla. — Joseph Cognata, age 93, of Tampa, died peacefully Monday, March 8, 2010, at Melech Hospice House.
He was born Feb. 25, 1917, in Alton, Ill. and formerly lived in Ashtabula, Ohio, Port St. Lucie, Fla. and most recently at Shady Palms Assisted Living Facility in Tampa, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Luminata (Ella) Dispenza Cognata; two sons, Samuel J. Cognata and Joseph A. Cognata; grandson, Joseph Cognata.
Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Cognata; grandchildren, Tracy Doe (Chasson), Gregory Beckman, Timothy Cognata (Donna), Terrence Cognata, Ted Cognata (Haley) and Lisa Cognata (Gaskill); ten great-grandchildren; and two nieces, Denise Dispenza and Debbie McEndree (George).
He worked for Penn Central for over 30 years as a switchman and yard master. He was an auxiliary sheriff with the St. Lucie County Sheriff Department.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Melech Hospice House, in Temple Terrace, on Sunday, March 14th, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 21475, St. Petersburg, Fla., 33742 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Va., 22312.
Obituary and condolences at www.blountcurry.com and starbeacon.com.
