Joseph Paul Cotruzzola

Joseph (Joe or, if you count yourself as a dearly loved grandchild, Popi) Cotruzzola, 91, died at home peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 15, 2022. In true Popi fashion, after passing, Joe apparently enjoyed one last slice of his favorite dessert, The Range's Death By Lemon cake, and reminded his family that he is ever present, as the Death By Lemon cake that was purchased by his granddaughter Sarah was delivered with one slice missing from the otherwise uncut cake.

Joe was born on December 21, 1930, in Brooklyn, NY, to Domenica and Concetta Cotruzzola. He earned a degree from the City College of NY in Electrical Engineering and served in the US Army. His engineering talents were put to good use in large-scale project management, both in aerospace systems and in NM land development, including construction of the Cochiti Dam. In typical fashion, before it was cool to do so, Joe transitioned from engineering to business consultancy. He organized and led the first NM groups of The Executive Committee (TEC), a global program working with organizational and business owners. His impact can be seen and felt through the success of the organizations and businesses he guided and advised and through the many, many individuals he mentored. Even though he's no longer here with us in person, his thoughts and mentorship can be revisited in his book "Being a Herd Animal With A Name."

Joe loved to share thought-provoking conversations with his many friends. Joe was a true Italian through and through and a fantastic cook. Anyone who was lucky enough to taste Popi's meatballs and sausage would know that.

Joe was husband and partner-in-crime to, and survived by, Mary Cotruzzola. He is also survived by his dowry children: stepdaughter Yalani Vanzura, stepson Eric Vanzura, stepson Cedric Vanzura, stepdaughter Elizabeth Crawford, stepson Matthew Sullivan, and stepdaughter Meredith Sullivan-Gee; his grandchildren: granddaughters Skyler Gee, Sarah Evans, Linley Sullivan, Samantha Vanzura, Danielle Vanzura, and Jacqueline Vanzura, and grandsons Zachary Vanzura and Grant Vanzura; and his warthogs, kindly cared for at the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo.

Donations can be made in Joe's memory to the Assistance League of Albuquerque.

Huzzah.