Charles Lococo Obituary

Charles A. Lococo

Feb 14, 1935 - Jan 11, 2025

Sandusky

Charles August "Chuck" Lococo, 89, residing in Sandusky, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Firelands Regional Medical Center surrounded by loved ones.

Charles was born February 14, 1935, in Sandusky to the late August "Gus" and Jennie (Cosentino) Lococo.

A 1953 graduate of St. Mary's High School, Chuck was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track. He dedicated 62 years to St. Mary's Central Catholic School as athletic director, coaching 8th-grade and freshman football and JV baseball and establishing the Catholic Youth Organization program at the school. He was inducted into the SMCC Hall of Fame in 2000, and the SMCC Athletic Field House proudly bears his name.

Chuck was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving aboard the USS Ticonderoga in Japan from 1956-62. He was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame November 6, 2014. A lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Chuck served faithfully as an usher and was a devoted parishioner.

Alongside his brothers Gasper and Pete, Chuck co-owned Cameo Restaurant, a beloved local establishment. He held leadership roles as past president of Elks (Hall of Fame inductee), IAB, and SMCC CHSAF. He also served as a trustee of Amvets Little League and contributed to local teams Maroni Shoes and Industrial Nut. Chuck's dedication extended to the Sandusky Parks and Recreation Board, and in 2009, the city declared April 13th as Charles A. Lococo Day. In 2020, he was named Sandusky's Volunteer of the Year.

Chuck's accolades included OHSAA Northwest District Lifetime Achievement Award, Toledo National Football Foundation Hall of Fame, and recognition by Northwest Ohio Football Coaches Association.

He was happiest watching youth sports, SBC games, and Buckeye football and basketball. Chuck enjoyed time in the sun, trips to Kelleys Island and Florida, and bowling. His legacy of service, passion for athletics, and love for his community will be forever remembered.

Chuck is survived by his lovely wife of 34 years, Judi (Lakner) Lococo, whom he married August 17, 1990; son, Brad (Caryl) Lococo of Clyde; stepsons, Mark Lakner of Manteo, North Carolina and Toby (Vicki) Lakner of Norwalk; stepdaughter, Mindy (Brian) Ball of West Jefferson; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Peter C. (Gail) Lococo of Sandusky; his sister-in-law, Ann Lococo of Hudson; and brother-in-law, Michael (June) McCall of Port Clinton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

In addition to his parents, Chuck is preceded in death by his former wife, Loretta (Tucker) Lococo; and brother, Gasper Lococo.

Friends may call from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Prayers will recited at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, January 23, 2025, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave. Sandusky, with the Rev. Matt Frisbee presiding. Burial will take place at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, those wishing to contribute to Chuck's memory may do so to Charles A. Lococo Athletic Achievement Award c/o Sandusky Central Catholic School, 410 W. Jefferson Street Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.