STEVEN ALLEN COCKING May 26, 1948–Oct 3, 2023

We are saddened to announce the passing of Steve Cocking. Steven Allen Cocking was born May 26, 1948 in Glendale, Arizona to Henry Cocking and Lois Tibbet. Steve was a devoted son, husband, father, uncle, coach, Papa and friend. He passed away Oct. 3, 2023 in Sun City, AZ at the age of 75.

Steve moved around frequently during his childhood years, but he found a home his sophomore year of high school in Artesia, NM. As a proud Artesia Bulldog, he discovered his deep love for the game of football, which would later develop into his passion for coaching and his love for playing sports.

He graduated from Artesia High School in 1966 and attended Eastern New Mexico University where he met Roberta Geoffrion. They were married in June 1969. Steve would often say that marrying Roberta was the beginning of the life that he loved. While living in Portales, Steve and Roberta had their first two sons, Steven (1970) and Brian (1974). During this time, Steve coached youth football and baseball with college friends.

The Cocking family moved to Los Alamos, NM in 1974 where their third son, Matthew was born (1977). Steve enjoyed a long career at Los Alamos National Laboratory, working for over 30 years in Accounting and Project Management.

He spent most of his free time playing softball and coaching. Steve grew and promoted youth sports for many years in Los Alamos and White Rock and was the driving force behind the field expansion of White Rock Overlook Park. He later transitioned to coaching at the middle school and high school level, serving for over 20 years as a dedicated assistant with the high school football team. He became the head baseball coach for Los Alamos High School in 1994 and led the team to become one of the best programs in the state. Molding and shaping young men was his true passion, and he left a lasting imprint on their lives and on the community.

After they retired, Steve and Roberta moved back to Arizona to be closer to their children and his parents. Steve cherished the time he spent with family, listening to his favorite country music, playing cornhole, laughing, watching his New York Yankees, playing Fantasy Football with family and friends, going to Las Vegas to watch the Lobos at the NCAA tournament, dancing and enjoying the company of those he loved most. Steve loved his home and loved being home. His constant humming, singing along to country music, his raucous laugh and his colorful comments are what his family, friends, and grandchildren will miss the most.

The best part of his retirement years was undoubtedly becoming a grandparent. Of all the roles and titles he held, “Papa” was the one that brought him the most joy. Never missing a game, concert, performance, or babysitting opportunity, he was always there for his grandchildren and was their biggest fan.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and stepparents Henry and Peggy Cocking and Elmer and Lois Tibbet, father-in-law Robert Geoffrion, brother Thomas Cocking, sister-in-law Cindy Geoffrion, and nephew Shane Jackson.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Roberta Cocking, children Steven (Cindy), Brian (Amanda), and Matthew (Felicia), grandchildren Milina, Sophia, Halle, Benjamin, Eva, Karly, Keira, mother-in-law Carmen Geoffrion, brothers and sisters-in-law Ron and Sandy Geoffrion, John and Kathi Parker and Ken Geoffrion, nieces and nephews Nathan (Deborah) Geoffrion, Lindsay (Zachary) Wilcock, Zac (Dasha) Geoffrion, Pete Parker and his great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at a later date in Los Alamos, NM.