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Richard Cozza Obituary
Richard J. Cozza, Jr., age 71, of Sylvania, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1948, to Richard and Mary Cozza. He graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh and received his Master's Degree in Special Education from Duquesne University in 1972. Richard had been a teacher and school principal in Maryland, Assistant Director of Special Education in Indiana, a Superintendent of Developmental Disabilities in Ashtabula, Ohio, and Director of the not-for-profit corporation that monitored and evaluated residential services for disabled in Toledo, Ohio. He collaboratively developed and taught teacher education programs in Montgomery County, Maryland, and wrote articles on education and school board training for national and Ohio educational journals. Upon retirement in 2003, Richard returned to school to become The Italian Gardener, specializing in landscape design and installation.
He is survived by his wife, Judith, and daughter, Andrea (William) Lawless of Delaware, Ohio. He was preceded in death by brother, Robert, and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 915 N. Reynolds Rd, Toledo, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 where the family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Epiphany Lutheran Church Feed Your Neighbor Program. Burial will be private.
Arrangements by the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home. (419)531-4424.
www.wisniewskifuneral.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Cozza
March 29, 2019
I was so sorry and shocked to learn of Rick's death. I was one of his many customers, though I also considered him one of my friends. As each of his many plantings around my home start to grow and flower this year, and for each succeeding year, I will fondly remember Rick and his "joy of life" spirit.
Lynda Stern
John Nori
March 21, 2019
Judy and Andrea,
Brenda and I were shocked when we received word of Rick's death. You know that our hearts go out to both of you and that we are deeply disappointed to miss Rick's memorial service. Words can not convey how we feel about your loss.
Love,
John and Brenda
March 18, 2019
Psalm 90:10 says that the days of our years are 70 years, And if because of special mightiness they are 80 years.
May the memories of the wonderful times you shared together bring a smile and joy in your heart.
Jo An Matney
March 18, 2019
Sincere sympathies to family & friends of Richard. I served on a committee for Union Memorial Park with Richard. He was very knowledgeable and committed to sharing his expertise with the committee & assisting with designing a beautiful garden at Union Memorial park ( site of the prior Auto Lite plant.) RIP Richard.
March 17, 2019
I was Richard's teacher for his landscape classes at Owens C.C.. I always knew that he was a 'good guy' but never knew what an interesting background he had. And, how much he helped others. The 'Italian Gardener' will be missed.
Talia Dunseth
March 17, 2019
Dear Cozza Family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Rick. I will miss seeing him around Epiphany. He was an excellent Bible study leader and pillar of our church community. I enjoyed fellowship time at dinners and events. Things won't be the same. Sending prayers of comfort and peace to you all.
Love, Talia
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Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Inc.2426 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615
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