Obituary: Dr. Jose Atocha
Dr. Jose Atocha, 94, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025 surrounded by his family, including his wife of 61 years, Helen. The two formed a strong and loving family together in Orange, CT raising 7 children and 16 grandchildren. Their years together were filled with hard work, generosity and caring for others, with Jose being a Thoracic and Cardiovascular surgeon and Helen a nurse, originally meeting at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA.
Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Chorillos, a seaside village outside of Lima, Jose grew up with his two sisters, Violetta and Chela and his brother Carlos. Jose earned his medical degree from the National University of San Marcos in Lima. During his time at university, Jose was coxswain of the rowing team for the prestigious 150-year old Club De Regatas Lima and led them to their first international victory in 1954.
Pepe, as he was affectionately called by his family, was a true renaissance man with passions and talents across many areas. Most were highlighted by the need for patience and execution such as calligraphy, photography and even biking. Pepe was lifted by all music, but especially moved by classical symphonies and operatic performers. He was a frequent attendee at NYC’s Lincoln Center and the Metropolitan Opera House.
This same expertise and aptitude extended into Pepe’s second haven - his garage. Here he enjoyed working on his classic cars with his dear friend, Tony Bisceglia of International Motor Sports.
Jose’s life was productive and impressive and he will be deeply missed by all who had the fortunate blessing to meet and know him. Simply stated, he was a good man.
Dr. Atocha is survived by his wife Helen, children Anna Atocha of Orange, CT; Janet Spencer and her husband Michael of Duxbury, MA; Ellen Connolly and her husband Craig of Downingtown, PA; Joseph Atocha of Kettering, OH; Nicholas Atocha and his wife Jenn of Manhattan; Jennifer Moffett and her husband Dan of Orange, CT and Steven Atocha and his wife Marion of Lincoln, VT. He is also survived by his grandchildren Macgregor Spencer, Sean Russell, Christian Connolly, Evan Russell, Alec Connolly, Ian Spencer, Brewer Atocha, Abel Atocha, Nate Atocha, Ethan Moffett, Maeve Russell, Violetta Atocha, Ella Moffett, Brett Connolly, Avery Atocha and Lorenzo Atocha.
No funeral services are planned, but rather a private celebration of his life will be held at a later time. Donations in Dr. Atocha’s name may be made to AccentCare Hospice (Seasons Hospice Foundation | Donate - Seasons Hospice Foundation)
