Joseph Peter Kozak, Sr., 82, of East Windsor, husband of the late Laura (Williams) Kozak, entered into Heaven on Friday, August 18, 2023 at Saint Francis Hospital. Joe was born in Hartford on December 11, 1940, second of six children born to the late Stanley Kozak, Sr. and Anna (Hiltgen) Kozak. He graduated from Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Hartford Public High School. Joe was employed by the State of Connecticut for many years in the Department of Agriculture, IBM and the Department of Transportation. He then moved to Coventry where he raised his family and went on to begin his career as a Bus Driver for CT Transit for over 18 years. In 1998 Joe moved to Florida to continue his career as a Bus Driver for Walt Disney World until his retirement. Joe enjoyed playing the accordion, a talent he inherited from his father and could play any song by ear without reading music. His accordion playing was the center of many family gatherings. In 2015 after the death of his wife Laura the year before, Joe moved back to Connecticut and settled in East Windsor to reunite with his brother and 4 sisters. Joe was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of AARP, the East Windsor Senior Center, a big supporter of St. Jude's Children's Hospital and a parishioner of St. Robert's Church at Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish in Windsor Locks. Joe's faith was very important to him and he said his prayers in Polish every night since he was taught as a child. Joe was a very giving person, always looking out for neighbors and friends and giving away food to those in need or a ride to someone who was less fortunate than he. He was happiest when he was driving around town, his daily visits to Walmart, watching his daily game shows with his best friend Quentin Stallings, singing the oldies, loved a good kielbasa sandwich and hanging out and talking to his neighbors. A known jokester, he loved a good story, talking about the "good old days" and laughing about his youthful adventures. Joe was a fighter and often said to have "nine lives" as he overcame many medical challenges in recent years with a positive attitude and never gave up through it all. He is survived by his two sons, Joseph Kozak, Jr. of Westminster, Calif and Jonathan Kozak (Abigail) of Windermere, Fla. and his two daughters, Patricia Voight (Robert) of Springfield, Mass. and Carole Verville (Thomas) of Preston, Conn. He also leaves his 8 grandchildren Mackenzie, Chase, Rylie & Jonathan Krew Kozak, Brandon & Brionna Voight and Mykayla & Morgan Guimond, Also surviving Joe are his 3 sisters, Patricia Brady (Dennis), Barbara May (Bob) and Mary Jane Kozak as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Janice Mancino and brother Stanley Kozak, Jr. There will be a Catholic Mass celebrated on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:00 at St. Mary's Church, 42 Spring Street, Windsor Locks. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. We would like to thank the staff at St. Francis Hospital's 5th Floor ICU, Masonicare's Visiting Services and all Joe's doctors, nurses and therapists for their kind and compassionate care of our Father during his time with them.
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