Final Salute

Joseph Frank Kot, age 88, of Howell, passed away on August 7, 2022. He was born July 27, 1934 in Detroit, the son of Sophie (Welc) Kot. Beloved husband of Carol (Szczesniak) Kot who preceded him in death on January 16, 2015. Loving father of Bonnie (John) Marcinkowski, Jeanette Kot (Richard Thurman), Linda (Alex) Oberlitner, and Leslie Kot (Ross Heavener). Cherished grandfather of Gina Marcinkowski. Joe is also survived by his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gary and Jackie Szczesniak and Lori and Jim Stumpo, as well as several nieces and nephews, including Mary Ellen Rudzinski. Joe was also preceded in death by brothers Stanley Kot and Walter Kot, as well as sister, Mary (Kot) Polskoy and brother-in-law, Walter Polskoy.
Joe was a master electrician and retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local #58, in 1996, though he kept his license current through 2016. Joe is a US Navy Seabee (US Navy Construction Battalion) veteran, serving from 1956 to 1960 (active) and 1960 to 1962 (reserve). Joe adopted the Seabee mantra, “Can Do” and would want you to know the following:
In answer to the age old question ” What is a Seabee?”
Let us not forget that the best definition is
“A Seabee is a sailor in a soldier’s uniform with Marine combat training doing a civilian job at WPA wages.”
His pride comes from within; his motto is: “We build – we fight” and his mantra is: “CAN DO!”
Joe also enjoyed organic gardening and leading a healthy lifestyle. He was a golfer from high school until his late 70s.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2099 Hacker Rd. (M59 and Hacker Rds.), Howell, at 11:00 am (instate at 10:00 am) on August 13, 2022. Visitation will be on August 12, 2022, from 3 pm to 7 pm at Watkins Funeral Homes, MacDonald’s Chapel of Howell (517-546-2800). A prayer service will be held on August 12 at 6:30 pm. Interment will be at Howell Memorial Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion.
To send flowers to the family of Joseph, please visit our floral store.

Published by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes – MacDonald’s Chapel on Aug. 8, 2022.