Joseph Richard "Papa" Kozash

?Joseph "Papa" Richard Kozash, Jr., 86, of 44 Ryan Road, Florence, MA was called to God's Country on February 23, 2019 at Linda Manor, Leeds, MA after a long illness. He was the son of his late parents, Anna and Joseph Kozash. Joseph attended Northampton Public Schools and then Smith Vocational High School where he learned the trade of painting. From there Joseph enlisted into the United States Airforce and was a Korean War Veteran. Joseph was decorated with a Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nation Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. After his service was completed, he returned home and married his love of his life, Mary Louise Zeigler. They were married for 62 years.

In his younger days, before the War, he worked with his Father and Grandfather farming in North Hatfield.

After his service, he began his career working for The City of Northampton, City Schools as a Custodian for 41 years until his retirement in 1994. There he met his Life-Long Treasured Friend, Bradley LeVay, Sr., where they worked every day together until their retirements.

Upon Joe's retirement, he worked for himself and called himself, "The Handyman" performing jobs for people which he enjoyed.

Joseph was a member the Elks Lodge #997, Hampshire Deputy Sheriff Association, American Legion Post 28, and V.F.W. Post 8006.

Joseph had a love for camping at their trailer each season at Forest Lake Campground, Winchester, NH for 18 years; sitting endless by the campfire, spending time with his friend, Brad LeVay and his wife Carol and riding his golf cart around the site. He thoroughly enjoyed going, bringing and being their biggest fan for his grandsons for their sports; especially his love of Ice Hockey, Fishing, Hunting, taking pride in his lawn at home with his John Deere, his garden and spending time with his family.

The calling hours will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a funeral service held at Ahearn Funeral Home, Inc., 783 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA on Thursday, September 28; then burial to be followed at St. Mary's Cemetery with Military Honors.

Joe is survived by his Wife, Mary; Daughter, Teresa; Grandson, Ryan Joseph and his Fiancé, Holly Magrone; Grandson, Michael; Niece Judith Harris and her Husband, Fred their son, Eric.

His grandson's were his pride and joy and very special to him.

The family would like to thank Administer, Mark Ailinger and his staff at Linda Manor for their kind and special attention they so generously gave and shown to our husband, father and grandfather, The Cooley Dickinson Hospice, The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; VA Central Western Mass., Leeds, Dr. Christine Baker and staff, The Urology Group of Florence, MA and Chaplain David Whiteley of the VA Medical Center, Leeds, MA along with Joe's many acquaintances and treasured friends .