John Anton Gocke Jr.
January 18, 1935 - December 30, 2021
Newbury Park California
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John Anton Gocke Jr.
January 18, 1935 - December 30, 2021
Newbury Park California
Obituary
John Anton Gocke, Jr.
January 18, 1935 – December 30, 2021
John Anton Gocke, Jr., cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and cowboy passed away on the afternoon of his 54th wedding anniversary in his home in Newbury Park, CA, surrounded by his wife, Pattie, and many family members both virtually and in person.
Affectionately referred to as “Poppy” by his grandchildren, and “Big John” or “Big Boy” by his extended family and friends, John was a lively storyteller with a big sense of humor, an infectious grin and a booming laugh. Some say his big barrel chest was needed to contain his giant heart.
John was born on January 18, 1935 to parents, Dr. John Anton, Sr. and Carolyn Gocke, and he grew up in Hancock Park, Los Angeles with siblings, Joan, Patsy, Sue, Vicky, Michelle and Bill and all sorts of cousins, nieces and nephews. He is a proud alumni of Loyola High School in L.A., like his father before him and all of his sons after him.
John would go on to attend UCLA and Seattle University, and become a Lieutenant in the US Navy, stationed at sea in the South Pacific and serving over 5 years. Thereafter, he became a financial services professional and later a commercial real estate broker by trade.
Often likened to the popular Hollywood cowboy hero, John Wayne, it’s not surprising that one of his very favorite places to be was beside fellow cowboys at the Saddle & Sirloin Club where he was an esteemed colleague. Big John also looked forward to the annual Rancheros Visitadores week-long horseback excursion as a member of the Adolfo Camp, and he sure does leave behind all sorts of laugh-out-loud legend and lore from “the ride”.
John is survived by his wife, Pattie, children Victoria (Jim) Grady, Doug (Ann) Gocke, Tom (Erica) Gocke, Matt (Kelly) Gocke, John III (Tina) Gocke and Mary Gocke, and 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, so far!
John was an eternal optimist — witty and gracious to the end. When asked how he was doing, it was a rare occasion that you wouldn’t hear one of two signature answers from him, either “better and better!”, or “everything is copacetic!” He was also a devout Catholic and passionate philosopher who was curious and contemplative about just about everything. He instilled that in his children in what is now referred to as “philosophy hour with Dad” at the dinner table while growing up. He leaves behind him an exemplary zest for life and a deep value of relationships, along with endless stories and jokes that will be passed along for generations to come.
Varlebena, Big John. We love you, forever.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022 at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church located at 2475 Borchard Rd in Newbury Park, CA. The rosary service will commence at 9:30, followed by the funeral mass at 10AM. All are welcome to attend. A lite outdoor reception will immediately follow the mass, adhering to CDC COVID-19 guidelines. The burial service will take place later that afternoon at The San Fernando Mission Cemetery, family members only.
Rosary
- Date & Time: January 14, 2022 (9:30 AM)
- Venue: St. Julie Billart Catholic Church - Newbury Park
- Location: 2475 Borchard Road Newbury Park, CA 91320 - (Get Directions)
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: January 14, 2022 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: St. Julie Billart Catholic Church - Newbury Park
- Location: 2475 Borchard Road Newbury Park, CA 91320 - (Get Directions)
14 responses to John Anton Gocke Jr.
Joan O'Brien says:
January 7, 2022
Joan O'Brien says:
January 7, 2022
With love and prayers from your sister Joan and family.
Pattie says:
February 8, 2022
“Thank you, Joan, for being close and always offering loving support during our 54 years of Marriage. So many memories are happily recalled especially the times spent with you and Dr. Terry O’Brien at his dental office. With my wide-open mouth and tongue disabled, Dr. Terry would ask me questions about John and our kids and offer his sweet comments on shared family events and I could hear you giggling in the outer office.
You and Terry were such precious examples to John and I as we admired your own family!
Thank you for being the Best Big Sister I could ever have hoped for!
Love, Pattie”
Steve Gocke says:
January 7, 2022
We will miss John but treasure great memories of family fun & some wild equestrian adventures! Much love to you Patty and all your wonderful family! Steve & Loren & kids
Pattie says:
February 8, 2022
Steve and Loren! What an amazing family odysseyyou Gockes have shared with us over the years! John spoke of your Dad, Robert, who died before we were married but I dearly remember your Mom, Gloria Gocke! Her presence in your Catholic Parish, Saint Mells, raising 10 children after her husband died, was legend! Seems like when we met people from the San Fernando Valley, where I was raised, they knew her name instantly as they verified, ‘you must be related to ‘Gloria Gocke!’
I remember she offered her insights as a teacher of Religious Education to the Parish children and, she smiled that sacred grin that becomes a truly living Saint! John used to say, ‘there are getting to be a lot more up there than down here’. So, with much more effort and sacrifice, we can all be there!
Still a work in progress, Pattie
Terry Beaver Wood says:
January 7, 2022
Fond memories of growing up with Johnny as my very special cousin!
My prayers are with Patty & family!
Love, Terry
Pattie says:
February 8, 2022
Terry, a most popular name for the Gocke and Seward families!
John and I always enjoyed your stories as you flew around the world with such interesting people! You shared serving Pope Saint John Paul II and we knew you were blest! Thank you for the most needed and appreciated prayers! I am sure those offerings and those of others are the reason I am at Peace!
Love, Pattie
Loretta Ricciardi says:
January 8, 2022
Dear Patty and Gocke Family,
My deepest sympathies to you at this sad time. So many happy memories over the years with you and John and your family. His big, warm smile will always be remembered. What a very special friendship he and my father Joe had for so many years!
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Much Love,
Loretta (O’Connor) Ricciardi
Pattie says:
February 8, 2022
Loretta and Chuck, I thank you for the comfort of those words that indeed, brought a flood of cherished visions! Joe and Jane introduced me at one of those famous ‘Group Dinners’ that became our unofficial Engagement Party! John had brought me the greatest blessing of meeting his lifelong family friends! Your parents are treasured and trusted mentors who welcomed us so many times into your family gatherings! What a blessing to be included as you all celebrated so many Engagement, Wedding and Birthday events! Now that benefit of true friendship, that Agape love, is the bond that holds all of us up with this ‘temporary’ separation of ‘Big John Gocke!’ Sure does make our belief in the ‘Communion of Saints’, the gift that sustains us ALL!
Hugs to you and pass them around!
Love, Pattie
Geoff Morgan says:
January 9, 2022
Pattie, My condolences to you and your family. Geoff Morgan
Pattie says:
February 8, 2022
Oh Geoff! What a surprise to find your kind message! I hope you are well and be assured that my family is circling the wagons to help me with managing all that needs attention.
Sadly, I also lost my younger brother and God-son, Bill Seward, to cancer, the morning of John’s funeral! He and his family live in Texas and will fly here with their college bound son and daughter.to celebrate his life at our family parish in a neighboring city. We know these challenges are expected but one can never be ‘totally’ prepared.
I have not seen your aunt for many months; however, I still keep her in prayer for better outcomes in her health decisions.
I am grateful for your concern. Sincerely, Pattie,,