Joseph J. "Joe" Tosh

On December 11, 2023, at the age of 76, God sent his Angels from heaven to escort Joseph "Joe" J. Tosh safely into the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He leaves behind the love of his life, Vicki Cotaya Tosh. Together, they shared over 24 years of marriage. Joe was a loving husband, son, son-in-law, father, and a true friend to many. He passed away peacefully with his dedicated and devoted wife, Vicki, at his side. He will be reunited with his loved ones that have gone before him, especially his parents, Olga Machutas Tosh Vicknair and James "Jim" Tosh; his in-laws, Edna Bender Cotaya and Milton Eugene Cotaya Jr.; his grandparents, Theresa Laufer Tosh, Thomas V. Tosh, Helen Lavich Machutas, and Joseph P. Machutas; his sister, Dr. Janet Tosh Leonard; and his niece, Ashley Blackwood. Joe is the father of Cindy Tosh Benvenutti (Wayne), Cherie Tosh Dame, and Jeanne Tosh Siverd (Clif); grandfather of Amelia, Spencer, and Jonathan Siverd and Harper, Georgia, Francesca, and Marshall Dame; brother of Thomas Tosh, Dr. John Tosh, and Mary Tosh Chopin; brother-in-law of Jack Leonard, Dr. Deborah Sudderth Tosh, Skip Cotaya (Lynn), Terry Cotaya (Vicki), and Trudi Cotaya Blackwood (Terry); and favorite uncle of Terry "Trey" Blackwood (Michelle), Beaux Blackwood, and Alexis Blackwood. He is also survived by his first wife and mother of his children, Fran Sgroi Tosh, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. Joe attended grammar school at St. Agnes in Jefferson, LA, De La Salle High School in New Orleans, LA, Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA, and Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, LA. He began working at a young age to earn extra money, whether it was throwing newspapers, working in a bakery, or selling snowballs out of the side of his house. He started his penchant for public service at the young age of 18, when he became a volunteer fireman for his local firehouse on Jefferson Highway in River Ridge, LA. His siblings all recall the loud alarm going off in their house and Joe springing into action, jumping up and running out the house to do his part for the community. Joe worked with Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Cronvich, attaining the rank of Sergeant first, and then Lieutenant before leaving to practice law. He was the youngest Sergeant and the youngest Lieutenant with the force at that time and worked in both the intelligence and subversive units, and also did some undercover work. This was at a time when Cronvich was encouraging his people to further their education and selected Joe to go to law school, moving Joe to work in the jail to give him time to study. Joe started in the jail as a classification officer before attaining the position of Associate Warden. Joe obtained his Juris Doctor in 1977, practicing law in all state and federal district courts, even serving as an Ad Hoc Judge in parish court. His law office was in Gretna, Louisiana, for over 20 years. In the midst of his legal career, he served as Parish Attorney in Jefferson Parish. In the 80's, Joe and his brother, Tommy, owned a Wine Shoppe in One Shell Square called Good Spirits. He later became Vice-President of Gulf States Constructors, LLC. for several years. Joe was also quite the story-teller, he could have written a book about his life experiences. He could tell you how any saying came about and was full of useless little facts about almost anything. From a young boy, Joe loved sports. He played Biddy Basketball and Little League Baseball at Jefferson Playground. Later in life, it was mostly spectator sports. It didn't matter if he was attending, watching on television, or listening on a radio, he loved his sports. His favorites were L.S.U. football and baseball and the Saints, but he really just loved watching all ballgames: football, baseball, basketball, and golf. He could drive a person crazy flipping through the channels on weekends. Just as you think you've figured out what teams are playing, you look up again and notice different colors on the field or a different sport entirely. Later in life, he used to enjoy playing golf, although he and his friends were never serious golfers. It was more about getting together and cutting up. Joe was very passionate about his politics and loved Rush. In his retirement, Joe stayed glued to conservative talk radio and television news channels, always knowing what was going on. He was happiest when out boating on the water or relaxing in a pool or hot tub with a cold drink in his hand surrounded by friends. Uncle Joe was always expected to bring his home-baked apple and pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving and Christmas. His uncanny sense of humor and ability to bring laughter to a room will always be missed. Please do not mourn Joe. Those that knew him best know that he has fought such courageous battles numerous times over the past several years, surprising doctors each time he would survive the odds. He is finally at peace in God's arms. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church located at 400 Westchester Place, Slidell, Louisiana, 70458. A Funeral Mass will begin at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com.