Basil H. Kockos

Basil H. Kockos Resident of San Mateo Passed away peacefully on July 16th at his home in San Mateo after a courageous and determined battle with cancer at the age of 87. Basil was the devoted son of the late Harry and Panagiota Kockos and beloved brother of Amanda Antipa (Gus, deceased), Elaine Archbold (Paul, deceased) and John Kockos (Patricia). Loving father to Pam Merchant (Steve) and Jeff (Susan). Proud and fun-loving Pappou to Jeffrey, Stephen, Amanda, Caroline and Gregory. Cherished Uncle Basil to many nieces and nephews. Beloved cousin of the late Aspasia Downey and Mickey Davies (Ethel). Supportive and caring friend of the late Janine Loesche. Basil was a native San Franciscan and attended Lafayette Elementary School, Presidio Junior High and Washington High School where he was an All-City basketball player. Immediately afterward he served in World War II with the Seabees doing construction work in the Pacific theater. He returned after the war to complete his education at the University of Oregon. Basil discovered early in life that salesmanship came naturally to him when he sold jams and jellies during the depression era for his father's business, Enjoy Packing. After college he briefly worked in sales for Gala Wine. There he discovered his desire to become independent and left Gala to form a business partnership with his brother. Together, and with great success, they operated Kockos Realty in Daly City. Following those years he established Basil Kockos Insurance where he worked for many years with his daughter until his retirement. Dad had a simple, charming spirit with a great sense of humor until the end. He was a golfer and sports enthusiast, loved discussing politics, and in his retirement, enjoyed his many collections, especially his salt and pepper shakers! He enjoyed lunching with many friends especially the Leith's Boys group from his high school days. Basil took great pride in his Greek Orthodox heritage. Basil served on the church board at Holy Cross in Belmont and for over 20 years devoted his time to its annual golf tournament. He took great pleasure in his large family. Greek Easter was always a cherished celebration for him. But his marriage for 22 years to Maria Petropoulos gave him what would become his most treasured gifts of all, his two beautiful children. Except for the past 2 years, Basil enjoyed a long and healthy life. He and his children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to his doctors (Fisher, Connolly/ Burlingame, Ellison, Siebel/ San Mateo and Kaplan /Stanford), Pathways Hospice and his wonderful caregivers who allowed his final days to be comfortable. Family and friends are invited to attend Crosby N. & Gray Funeral Home at 2 Park Road in Burlingame on Monday July 20th at 7:30pm for the Trisagion and Eulogy (visitation starting at 4:00pm). Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21st at 10:30am at the Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas in Belmont with entombment services immediately following at the Greek Memorial Park Cemetery in Colma. A luncheon reception will follow. Daddy, we love you, will miss you and you will be in our hearts forever. Arrangements by Crosby-N. Gray & Co, Burlingame, CA 650-342-6617