Stephen J. Kosman

Groton - Stephen J. Kosman, 84, of 50 Senkow Ave., peacefully passed away at his home on Feb. 16, 2012, with his wife, Laura, at his side. He gave her one final kiss before entering eternal life.

He was born July 30, 1927, in Philadelphia, and where he lived with his mother, older brother, and five sisters until he joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. Master Chief Electrician's Mate (EMCM) Stephen J. Kosman commenced his career with duty onboard USS Sea Fox (SS 402). Further at sea assignments included duty on board USS Capitaine (SS 336), USS Chopper (SS 342), USS Proteus (AS 19), USS Quillback (SS 424), USS Ethan Allen (SSBN 608), USS Tecumseh (SSBN 628), and USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN 636). He was a "Plank owner" of the USS Tecumseh and had the honor of working alongside Admiral Rickover during her construction at Electric Boat in Groton and subsequent sea trials. During his distinguished career he served as COB (Chief of the Boat) on six patrols and was qualified on all submarine systems and additional positions such as diving officer and reactor officer. He earned his "Blue Nose" and "Shell Back" honors many times over. Following his naval career, in which he received numerous awards, he became a submarine systems instructor at Electric Boat in Groton, and worked there for an additional 17 years before his second and final retirement in 1992.

While stationed in Key West, Fla., in 1953, he met Mary F. Gibson on a blind date. They fell in love and were married on Aug. 28, 1954. Steve and Mary enjoyed 48 years of marriage together until Mary passed away on July 17, 2002.

He met his second wife, Laura P. Levesque, in 2002, while each was tending to their late spouse's graves. He got up the courage to ask her out for lunch, and they quickly fell in love and were married on Sept. 6, 2003. Steve and Laura enjoyed over eight years of marriage together. He was a devoted husband and father and considered himself truly blessed to have loved two remarkable women in one lifetime. He also was very proud of his seven children and their accomplishments in life.

In his younger days, he was an avid billiards and ping pong player and passed that love onto his children. He took up bowling in the 1960s and maintained his love affair with the game until 2010, when his health prevented him from competing in leagues at Holiday Bowl in Groton. He had a 200 average at the age of 80 and got robbed of a 300 game on March 8, 2007, when his 12th ball left a solid 10 pin for a 299 game. He enjoyed the sporting competition and quality time spent bowling in league play with his family, sons-in-law, and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children, Theresa Taulbee of Groton, Stephen Kosman II of Denver, Colo., William Kosman of Mystic, John Kosman of Huntsville, Ala., Robert Kosman of Hope Valley, R.I., Patricia Topalis of Ledyard, and Mark Kosman of Mystic; a sister, Ethel Rudy of Philadelphia; three step children, Steven Levesque, Patricia Fetters, and Michele Watters; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. Family and friends are asked to gather at 10 a.m. on Tuesday for a Mass of Christian Burial in Sacred Heart Church, 56 Sacred Heart Drive, Groton. Interment with military honors will be at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery, followed by a gathering of fellowship and celebration at Sacred Heart Parish.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360, or to cancer research.

Please visit www.byles.com to leave a condolence note for the family or for directions.