Eugene Florian Koza

Eugene Florian Koza, 78 of Orlando, Florida went to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the home of his daughter Kimberly. He was born in Everson, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1932. Gene was a Veteran of the Armed Forces Specialist SPC and served in the Korean War (Jan. 1953-Nov.1954) for the US Army. He was a member of the VFW, Moose Lodge, Optimist Club and a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He made his career as a certified welder, and then attended Stark Community College after his children were raised and received his degree. After moving to Orlando, he was active in Kinneret's Poker Club, Diabetes Walk-a-thons, American Cancer Society Relay for Life and the Pancreatic Action Network. He enjoyed playing golf, horseshoes, poker, gardening, numbers and volunteering at his daughters' schools. He loved taking his grandchildren on picnics, walks and swimming at the pool. He adored his family and surrounded himself with them every moment that he could. His children were his pride, but his grandchildren gave him a renewed life and purpose. Fond memories of Gene will remain in the hearts of so many family and friends. Gene is survived by his only son Vince (Holly) Koza of Lima, OH; and three daughters, Kelly (John) Mendez and Kimberly Koza of Orlando,FL, and Karen (Paul) Ross of Westborough, MA. He was a proud grandfather to: Sarah and Brittany Koza of Lima, OH; Nicolas and Erica Ross of Westborough, MA; Alexis and Zachary Mendez of Orlando Florida, and Andrew Mendez who is our littlest angel in heaven. His surviving brothers are: Joe (Eileen) Koza of Maple Heights, OH, Frank (Louise) Koza of Scottdale, PA, Marion (Regina) Koza of Salem, OH. His surviving sisters are: Mary (John) Boshinsky of Everson, PA, Dolores (John) Surma of Norvelt, PA and many nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents: Andrew and Anna Sandzimier Koza, six brothers: John, Charles, Vince, Melvin, Stanley and Casimier Koza and three sisters: Nellie Martinoski, Rose Petrilla and Cecelia Connors.

A time of rememberance will be held at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 in Newcomer Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to either The Pancreatic Cancer Network purplestride.org/orlando2010/TeamKoza

Please copy and paste the following link to your web browser to access the site.

http://pancan.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=426001&lis=1&kntae426001=F2A756C373BF4D6389EDFDC703EA9CF5
&supId=0&team=3789801&cj=

or

Cornerstone Hospice of Orange County
www.cornerstonehospice.org