Karl Theodore Geoca 1930-2021
Karl was an Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer (Aviation Maintenance). He was a LTJG in the squadron and served as the Electronics Officer and ECM Officer.
Karl Geoca passed away on December 15, 2021, at the age of 91, at his home in Spring, Texas. Karl was a skilled engineer, successful entrepreneur, savvy investor, and committed volunteer. But what gave him the most joy was his family: He was a dedicated and deeply loved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Karl was born in Oneida, New York. He graduated from Clarkson College and joined the U.S. Navy, ultimately reaching the rank of Lt. Cmdr. Karl met Shirley Wallace while on active duty, and they were married for 64 years.
Karl worked at Shell Oil Co. for 40 years, where he was known for foresight, skill, and mentorship. Karl also served on the Board of Governors of ASME and chaired its Petroleum Division. ASME established the Geoca Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award is his honor.
After retirement from Shell, Karl and his son Tom took over and built up South Coast Hydraulics.
Karl served on the Parish Council for the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, and he was president of the AHEPA 29 Educational Foundation.
Karl was predeceased by his parents Theodore and Eitsa Geoca and Olymbia Geoca, his brother Peter Geoca, his sister Florence Stefanou, and his brother-in-law Constantine Stefanou. He is survived by: his wife Shirley; his sons Ted (Karen) and Tom (Fran) Geoca; his daughter Kim Angelis (Theo); his sister Vasila (Doug) Dumm; his sister-in-law Nancy Geoca; his grandchildren Nicholas, Peter, Christian, Alex, Emily, Paul, and Sam Geoca, and John and Katherine Angelis; his great-granddaughter Olive; his aunt Sana Vangellow; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston on Monday, December 20, 2021, with a Visitation at 10:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to the AHEPA 29 Educational Foundation or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Altar Fund.
https://www.bradshawcarter.com/tributes/Karl-Geoca—
Larry HamesAVCM USN (Ret)
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager