Joseph G. Kotzin

August 20, 1938 - April 14, 2025 Joseph Godfrey Kotzin passed peacefully at home in Los Angeles at age 86. He is survived by his wife Diana, his older brother Ted, sister-in-law Lynn, nephew Daniel, nieces Barbara and Sara, and their families.

Born in Los Angeles to Tobias and Bessie Kotzin, Joe graduated from Marshall High School as a National Merit Scholar in 1956 and attended Pomona College before earning his bachelor's degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. Adventurous, he then hitchhiked to New York City, where he spent three years supporting himself as a laborer by day and immersing himself in the jazz scene by night. He carried his passion for jazz throughout his life via his support of the New York-based Jazz Foundation of America. Notably, he embraced avant-guard music also, performing flute in the 1961 Chambers Street Loft Series with Yoko Ono and La Monte Young.

Joe moved to Chicago in fall 1962 to pursue graduate studies in Human Development and Psychology at the University of Chicago, where he met and mentored Diana in a child development class, whom he married years later. Recently their shared interests in the psychological sciences led them to establish the Dr. Diana Slaughter Kotzin and Mr. Joseph G. Kotzin Grant Fund with the American Psychological Foundation that supports research on child and youth suicide among African Americans.

After receiving his master's degree, Joe returned to Los Angeles and devoted his life to public service and to philanthropy, particularly in education, food security, and housing. He contributed to many non-profit organizations leveraging his business acumen to maximize the impact of his contributions. He spent years at the Legal Aid Society helping vulnerable residents facing eviction, and he supported launching an adult literacy program through the LA Public Library. A musician, philanthropist, and public servant, Joe was also a lifelong educator who volunteered within LA public schools. His fluency in Spanish and dedication to justice made him a trusted advocate in each of these contexts.

Joe's authenticity, curiosity, and love of community are truly inspirational. A founding member of an LA Humanistic Judaism group, his legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and a determined belief in collective well-being as an essential component of human salvation. Donations in Joe's memory can be made to any of the listed organizations, to the New Israel Fund, Jewish Family Services of LA, United Charities of LA, or one of your choice.