Arthur L. Kozy
July 10, 1926 – February 27, 2021
Arthur L Kozy, age 94, passed away on February 27, 2021, in Naples, Florida. Arthur was born on July 10, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, and was the son of Anthony and Valeria Kozlowski. He is survived by his two sons Bill, and his wife, Carol; and Tom, and his wife, Sharon. He was the proud grandfather to 4, and the great grandfather to 8 at the time of his death. Art's death was preceded by his wife, Lanila, in 2009, whom he was married to for 58 years, and his siblings, Frank, Jean, Walter, and Cazu.
Art graduated from Benedictine High School in Cleveland, and then joined the U.S. Navy where he served in Okinawa from 1944-1945. Upon returning home, Art attended Miami University (of Ohio) and graduated with his degree in Physical Education which created a 32-year career in teaching at the high school level. He also enjoyed coaching basketball and eventually served as the Director of Athletics. His teaching career and athletic department leadership was primarily at Cloverleaf High School in Lodi, Ohio, with a special emphasis on Diversified Cooperative Training - helping those kids seeking a vocation coming right out of high school. He had many favorite student stories, including a cook who eventually served as Chef at the White House, and many others who ended up owning and successfully creating local businesses in Auto Repair, and Food Management. He loved sporting events and his favorite was always the NCAA Collegiate Basketball Tournament. He also loved seeing his grandchildren compete in sporting events and was an avid fan, to say the least. He saw his grandson, Ben, compete in track for the U.S. Naval Academy, grandsons TJ and Jon on the basketball court, and granddaughter Deborah on the softball field. They always knew he was there.
Art retired to Naples in 1987 and became active in the community. He served on the Board of the Immokalee Child Care Center for many years, and was also a very active member of the Naples Elks. Art was the Exalted Ruler of this Naples Elks chapter, and also served on the State of Florida Drug Awareness initiative back in the 90s, representing the Naples Elks organization on this key effort. He particularly enjoyed the social events of the Elks, traveling on occasion to many national events, including visits to New Orleans, Chicago, and other large U.S cities. He lived in both the Lakewood area of Naples, and then moved to Aqualane Shores for several years prior to moving to Aston Gardens at Pelican Marsh a few years ago.
A memorial service will be held on April 2 at Fuller Funeral East, 4735 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112 at 11:00 am.
The family requests no flowers - but any donations should be directed to the Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples. FL 34105. Our entire family extends our deepest appreciation to the team at Avow, the thoughtful nursing group from McKenney Home Care, and the dedicated staff at Assisted Living at Aston Gardens.
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