Karl Theodore Geoca (1930-2021)
Karl Geoca passed away on December 15, 2021, at the age of 91, at his home in Spring, Texas. Karl was a skilled engineer, a successful entrepreneur, a savvy investor, and a 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, and was the eldest of four siblings. His family owned The Hayward Sweet Shop in Rochester, where he worked from the time he was 9 years old. Karl attended Clarkson College and received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of Lt. Commander during his 20 years of active duty and reserve service. Karl met Shirley Wallace while on active duty. Karl and Shirley were proud to celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary this year.
Karl worked at Shell Oil Co. for 40 years. Karl is remembered at Shell not only for his foresight and skill, but also for his mentorship. During his time at Shell, Karl also served as a leader in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”). He was appointed to its Board of Governors and was also Chair of the ASME Petroleum Division. In Karl’s honor, ASME established the Geoca Mechanical Engineering Achievement Award that recognizes distinguished achievement in petroleum mechanical engineering.
After retirement from Shell, Karl and his son Tom took over and built up South Coast Hydraulics, a leading provider of hydraulics service in the Houston area.
Karl was a committed and effective leader in his community. He served on the Parish Council for the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston, and he was president of the AHEPA 29 Educational Foundation, which has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships since its founding.
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.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be directed to the AHEPA 29 Educational Foundation http://ahepa29edu.org/ or Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral Altar Fund.