Alfred Joseph Cox, Jr., November 18, 1932 - May 13, 2017
"Catholic, husband, father, professor, chemist, teacher, author, citizen, coach, volunteer, electrician, plumber, painter, carpenter, roofer, cabinet maker, woodworker, computer technician, artist, a Knight of Columbus member since 1972, and a Past Grand Knight - John F. Kennedy Council 2952."
Alfred J. Cox, Jr. graduated from Martin-Behrman High School in 1950 and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served for four years. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University graduating in 1959 with a degree in Chemistry, and he then attended Louisiana State University graduating in 1962 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. As a professor, he built the first microcomputer for SLU in 1982. He retired from SLU in 1991 as Professor Emeritus. He then joined the faculty at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and taught for 5 years. He was on the steering committee that built the foundation of STA. Sister Phillip Neri said, "Dr. Cox volunteers his time to help STA. He is a constant reminder of what real servants are like in our world today."
Al Cox was involved in the Hammond Dixie Youth Baseball program from 1964 to 1983 as a coach, manager, player agent, fund raiser, and grounds keeper.
Al Cox's one true love was being a Knight. He was a founding member of the first degree Knight team. His family was Council Family of the Year several times, and State Family of the year in 1989. He loved his church and volunteered his wood working skills to make the wooden crosses that were used in Holy Ghost Church until the new stations were made, and he also made the cross used for Veneration of the Cross at Holy Ghost each year. One of the activities he helped to create with Ron Novak was the Santa's Workshop at the KC Hall where they created wooden toys for children. He, along with Mr. Vincent Gennardo, Mr. Novak, and others built the base of the Blessed Mother statue where it sits today at Holy Ghost School. Al Cox volunteered in the Holy Ghost community: expanding the school buildings; building of the playgrounds; laying the concrete for the cafeteria; getting the bleechers for the school gym; and serving as President of the School Board.
In 1998, Al Cox and Dr. Bon Suarez founded the Holy Ghost Conference of St. Vincent De Paul. In 2001, he helped organize the thrift store, and in 2002 he helped set up the Uniform for Kids program.
On Feb 18, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI conferred the honor of "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice" cross to him, which is the highest honor awarded by the Catholic Church to a lay person.
Alfred J. Cox, Jr. was preceded in death by his father Alfred J. Cox Sr.; mother Gertrude Cox; sisters Gertrude Woods and Joyce Creduer; and daughter Laura Anita Cox.
In His own words: "Life passes so swiftly. Please remember each gift that God gives daily. Try to enjoy and distinguish the real gifts of love and charity that God gives from the passing gifts the world offers. Remember that each day is a gift from God."
"Rest well, Dad:" Beloved wife Jacquelyn; sons Michael (Judy) and Greg (Katherine); daughters Kathryn Cox Huggett (James) and Margaret Cox; and eight loving grandchildren: Karyn (Brian), Michelle (Chasse), Daniel (Danielle), Adam (Michelle), Matthew, David (Kelsey), Laura, Jacob; and one great-grandchild, Ella.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 601 North Oak Street, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at Holy Ghost from 9:00 am until the mass begins at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, Hammond, Louisiana.
To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.harrymckneely.com.
