MOURNING

[John L.]

I am sad to announce that my good friend and cave diving buddy, Joe Cocozza from New Jersey, lost his mother to cancer on Saturday. He is the originator of Pod Diver Radio, and comes down to cave country at least four times a year. Here is a letter in his words: many of you may know, my Mom has been battling cancer for the last 18 months; well, she passed away May 5, 2006.

My Mom, (Mary Kurland) was a great lady. She was a tough Irish broad
from Newark, NJ. A single mom, even though she only had a high school
education, she did her best to raise my sister and me. She provided
for us and always encouraged me. She supported my love of the ocean
and scuba diving. When I was a little kid she bought me every Jacques
Cousteau book published. She encouraged my love of science with
multiple trips to the Museum of Natural History. In the summers, she
took me to the Jersey shore so I could snorkel and spearfish. When I
got certified at 16 (even though it scared the #### out of her,) she drove me to the quarry and the Jersey Inlets. During high school
(even though she worked two jobs) she would drive me every Thursday
night to Sea Cadet Drill at the Perth Amboy Naval Reserve Center. When
I was in the Navy, I would look forward to her weekly "care" packages.

As an adult, she was always there for me with practical advice and
friendship. She was a proud Grandma and loved her grandkids. Just a
couple of weeks before she died, I showed her the May 2006 issue of Sport Diver. The magazine featured a short story about me and Pod Diver Radio. It was no big deal, but when she read it she cried and said she was so proud of me. I am glad it made her happy.

She was my mom, a confidant, good friend and my biggest cheerleader. I
will miss her; I will miss her a lot.

I also want to thank my stepdad. Ray Kurland has been the most
steadfast, loyal and loving companion my Mom could ever have. Ray is a
good man.

The Funeral arrangements are as follows:
1. Wake/Visitation. May 9, 2-4PM and 7-9PM at Flynn and Sons Funeral
Home, 23 Ford Ave, FORDS, NJ 08863. http://www.flynnfuneral.com/
2. Mass of Christian Burial. May 10. 10:30AM at St. James Church,
Woodbridge NJ, Internment at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen, NJ.
3. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to COSAC. (Center for
Outreach and Services for the Autism Community).
http://www.njcosac.org
c/o Thd Flynn Charities Program.
http://www.flynnfuneral.com/charities.html

If anyone knows how to start a new thread on the deco stop, please put this announcement on there. Thanx
John LaManna

[Bill Rotella]

I am sorry for Joe's loss; my prayers and thoughts will be with him and his family.

Bill