KOSSAN, Joseph Alexander "Alex", this beautiful boy of mine, left this earth last week at the age of 26 on Friday, July 21, 2023 after an accidental overdose. I have not had the strength to share, because I kept wanting to wake up and find out it was a terrible nightmare. Alex was born on Wednesday, June 25, 1997. The truth is Alex Kossan was smart, funny and kind. He loved nature, hiking, rock climbing, and was both a boy scout and a camper and counselor at Shiloh Quaker Camp. He loved math, physics, art, and architecture. And, he struggled half of his 26 years with mental illness and the past 10 years with addiction. Thanks to The Healing Place and CARITAS Works, Alex had over five years of recovery in which he dedicated himself to keeping others clean and sober. He also worked construction, took classes at Reynolds, and became an electrical apprentice. Alex was preceded in death by his father, Joseph C. Kossan; and his paternal grandparents, Joseph E. and Madelyn Kossan. Alex leaves behind his mother, Brooke Davis; the little brother he adored, Andrew Kossan; girlfriend, Abby Robinson; his stepfather, Nick Martina; grandparents, Susanne Sturges, Ed Davis and Dianne Davis; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. It seems like he knew hundreds of people in the recovery community based on their outpouring of support. A memorial celebration for Alex will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Godwin High School, 2101 Pump Road, Henrico, Va. 23238. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to, The Healing Place, https://www.caritasva.org/ or BYM Camps, https://bymcamps.org/. This would be a lovely gesture. To the parents out there, tell your kids you love them every day. You will never regret it and I know Alex knew I loved him because I did, every day, even when he was a mess. To anyone struggling with mental health or substance abuse disorder, there is help. Please seek it so your family doesn't have to try to figure out how to keep living without you. You are worth every meeting, every counseling session and every medical intervention possible. You matter. Don't give up!

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jul. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Kossan

Sponsored by Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond.

16 Entries

Elise Emil

January 23, 2025

Dear Brooke, I hope you are being supported and finding comfort from loved ones and communities. I can´t imagine how difficult life must be and my heart is with you and Andrew and your whole family. As a fellow camper and counselor at Shiloh, Alex still brings me fond memories and I wanted to share with you one from today. I saw a Lord of the Rings orchestra show and remembered how one summer at Shiloh, when we were co-counseling for Unit 5, Alex amused and playfully inspired so many campers to be more expressive and dress up like LOTR elves alongside our other two co´s who also dressed up to theme. To our campers, Alex went by the name of Cerelad, which I believe combines the names of two different LOTR characters. He was always a beautiful sweet kind soul and he will always live fully in our hearts. Much love to you and Andrew I hope BYM can continue to provide you with a loving and understanding community.

Brooke Davis

August 4, 2023

Such a sweet boy! I will miss you always.

Claudia Reed

August 4, 2023

Beautifully written, Brooke. I feel sure your words of encouragement will reach others and help them see new ways to approach their struggles.

I love your photos of Alex - I can see his beautiful soul shining through

Joan Keenan

August 2, 2023

Dear Brooke, you were very brave to write your son's obituary. I could not do it. I think you may have helped many parents who have experienced this loss. There is nothing like it. My son died of an overdose 5 yrs. ago. There are several groups in the Richmond area that have helped me. Please feel free to contact me about them. (804) 744-7855. God bless. Joan Keenan

Alex Gomez

August 2, 2023

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you are able to take time to heal.

Jan Smith

August 1, 2023

Brooke and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved him and that he will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Catherine B Cooper

August 1, 2023

Brooke,
Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for this tremendous loss.

Catherine C.

Michelle

August 1, 2023

Even though I'm a Stranger. I'm a Mom I'm Soo saddened by the lost of your son. It was so hard to read. But I could tell he was a great Son. My condolences

Friend

July 31, 2023

I didn't know Alex very well but met him years ago in AA. He was sober then and he would constantly call me and check on me as well as encourage me to stay clean when I went through a relapse. Years later we reconnected and went out to eat a few times. He stayed with me for almost a week and I tried to help him have an environment away from the drugs. He was a wonderful person and great morals. I haven't met many people his age that are so great in character. I will truly miss him and am so sorry to hear of his passing

Elise Emil

July 31, 2023

Brooke, I am so terribly sorry. I worked with Alex at Shiloh his first summer as a camp counselor for Unit 5. Alex was so sweet, caring, sensitive, tender, and a good friend. He was a great role model for the young campers too. The kids in our unit loved him, as did us counselors and staff. Our unit had a Lord of the Rings theme that summer and Alex (who went by the name of Gil-Galad when we played make-believe with the kids) helped bring out silliness and creativity in all of us. Alex will forever leave a beautiful mark on our lives. We will miss him dearly. We share deeply in your mourning and will hold you and your family in the light. <3

Teri Brown

July 31, 2023

Dear Brooke, I am so sorry you lost your beautiful boy. Please know I liked Alex very much, he was smart and fun. I know you are heartbroken. Beautiful tribute to your son . May the passing of time help

Debi

July 30, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know him or you for that matter but I have a family member who struggles with addiction. I pray you will find peace knowing that he is no longer in pain and in the arms of Jesus. God bless you and your family.

Aunt Dee Dee and Uncle Bill

July 30, 2023

In loving memory of Alex Kossan... His life was a blessing, His memory a treasure, He is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. He will forever be in our hearts!!!

Jen

July 30, 2023

This breaks my heart to read. I'm so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace and you find peace in the coming days.

Amber, Aunt Dee and Uncle Bill

Sent Flowers

Anonymous

July 30, 2023

I am sorry for your loss. If your words of encouragement only reach one person, that is one less person struggling with the demon of addiction. God bless.

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