Name: Visitation for GEORGE L. KOZAK
Start: 2017-07-07T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-07-08T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home

KOZAK, George L. 75, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at his home in Brockton. He was born April 24, 1942 in Norwood, MA to George L. and Veronica (Utorka) Kozak. He was the eldest of three children. George attended Norwood Public Schools and graduated from Norwood High School, where he played ice hockey. He attended the New Preparatory School in Cambridge and then went on to a great hockey career at Norwich University in Northfield, VT and also served in the Cadet Corps. After graduation from Norwich he took a teaching position at New Prep and was the Asst. Hockey Coach. His career included a scouting position with the New York Rangers, Asst. Coach and Director of Player Personnel with the Nashville Knights and the Pensacola Ice Pilots. He not only developed some hockey players but he served as their friend and mentor. He would teach them values and also nurturing them to be fine and responsible men. He had a special ability to help young men and women on the right path in life. His last career move was becoming a mathematics teacher at Brockton High School. He truly liked and cared about youngsters and those feelings were reciprocated. He had a generous heart that touched so many young people. He was honored by Norwich University in 2015 being named to the Athletic Sports Hall of Fame. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Poore of Laconia, NH and Nancy Anchukaitis of Wrentham. Devoted longtime partner and love, Fran Flynn of Holbrook. Also uncle of Jennifer Cheesbrough, Haley Anchukaitis, Eric Poore, Christopher Poore, and Brett Anchukaitis. Brother in law of Tom Estes and Tony Anchukaitis. He loved all his nieces and nephews and was especially proud of Brett who graduated from Norwich University. George accomplished so much in his life and touched so many people with his guidance, support, kindness and love. In return, everyone loved Koze. Funeral from the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington St., NORWOOD, Saturday, July 8, 2017, at 9am followed by a funeral mass at 10am in St. Mary's Church, E. Walpole, MA. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, July 7, 2017, from 4-8pm. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery Norwood.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 3 to Jul. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for GEORGE KOZAK

24 Entries

Donald Callow

June 29, 2019

I met George Kozak in 1967 when he was Owen Hughes assistant coach at New Prep. It may have been his 2nd year coaching. The first thing that struck me was his haircut, a very military look that he kept forever. Koz and Owen were a team on and off the ice. They were both great motivators and knew the game. Koz had incredible character, something you can't teach but something that all his players took with them. He left an impression on everyone and everywhere he went. There are few people in life who have that ability and George did. He could be tough and make you laugh. After working with him every summer at Owen Hughes Hockey School for years we became good friends. He had many stories about the Cape and the hockey school he and Owen ran. They had great players on the ice every year. Tim Sheehy, Kevin Ahern, Paul Moore, etc. New Prep closed, Koz was scouting for the Rangers and became a ref so we saw each other often while Owen and I were at Milton Academy. We stayed in touch always and when he was pretty much done with Pro hockey he came to work with me as a teacher at Brockton High. We were always together and had more laughs and fun than I can remember. His character again left an impression on many students at BHS who I spoke to. Finally in the end when we both were getting ready to retire I took my last coaching position at Canton High School. It was my first experience coaching girls and I begged Koz to come with me. Here was my best friend, a man who coached me, many great college players, professionals, Scout for NY Rangers and now coaching with me. Again, he made a huge impression on the girls. They loved him and would do anything to please him.
I miss my good friend friendGeorgeGeorge.comments. Geo

Carole Chighisola

July 21, 2017

Great coach, friend and mentor to all of his players. Always smiling and laughing. Sincere sympathy to his family and significant other.

ROBERT BARTHOLOMEW

July 7, 2017

I MET COACH GEORGE KOZAK AT THE NEW PREPARATORY SCHOOL. BRATTLE STREET CAMBRIDGE, SEPT. 19TH, 1967, AT THE BOSTON SKATING CLUB FOR ICE HOCKEY TRY OUTS. HAIR SLICKED AND PARTED WITH A SMILE THAT LIT UP THE PRACTICE. A GREAT COACH, MENTOR, TEACHER, WHO TAUGHT ME HOW TO PLAY HOCKEY AT THE NEXT LEVEL. WE WERE LOADED, UMILE, COMFORT, BRIAND, S.FTOREK, PETIT , MUNROE SHANLEY , BASTARACHE, FLAHERTY, SULIVAN, REID,LETOURNEAU, JUST TO NAME A FEW. HE WAS THE SETTLING INFLUNCE WHEN COACH OWEN HUGHES WENT ON ONE OF HIS MANY TIRADES. HE WOULD SMILE AND WINK.! CASE CLOSED. THE HOCKEY COMMUNITY HAS LOST A FANTASTIC PERSON IN GEORGE KOZAK. BEING FROM ARLINGTON , HE WOULD ALWAYS THAT HE HAD 3 AGAINST ARLINIGTON IN THE 1960 STATE TOURNAMENT, A 5-0 WHITEWASH FOR NORWOOD.

BOB BARTHOLOMEW, ARLINGTON, NEW PREP AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Ken Trousi

July 7, 2017

As a great player, coach and teacher George handed down his greatest asset too all he met...knowledge. It was a pleasure to have known such an admirable person.

Benson Sargent

July 7, 2017

George, I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations over the last few years mostly on the subject of hockey but on other subjects as well. You enjoyed a real passion, my friend, for connecting with people, bringing out their best, and sharing your kind and quick-witted soul.

May you rest in peace, and continue bringing joy to all who share your friendship through the afterlife.

Sending heartfelt Blessings with sincere condolences to your family.

Ben Sargent
NU Class of '65

Paul Mercer

July 6, 2017

What a fun genuine guy to be with. As a hockey player at Norwich, he reminded me of the Bruins Johnny "Pie" McKenzie. A very good winger who was a pest to the opponent. Koz, you are now no longer with us, but you will always be in our memories! Class of NU '65 has lost another good one.

Marshall Ferris

July 6, 2017

George, hope you are enjoying hockey with your NU angel friends. John Kennedy and others. God be with you as you rest among the angels.

Tim Sheehy

July 6, 2017

Remembering many of the great years on Cape Cod with Koz, Owen Hughes, Mike Hyndman, David Conte, Donny Callow, Kevin Ahearn, Nick Fotiu, Freddy Ahearn, Jimmy Troy, Ric Jordan, Paul Stewart et al.....talking hockey of course.

We will miss this guy!

RIP George.

Tony Mariano

July 6, 2017

George was a terrific friend and supporter of Norwich and Norwich hockey. He will be greatly missed!

July 5, 2017

Scott Malone

July 5, 2017

Kozy, you were a great coach and mentor. The Pensacola Ice Pilots will remember you forever... as well as the city of Pensacola. RIP Coach.
http://www.pnj.com/story/sports/hockey/pensacola-ice-flyers/2017/07/05/his-passing-former-ice-pilots-coach-george-kozak-remembered-pensacola-impact/452691001/

Scott Malone

July 5, 2017

Sincere condolences to the family.
Rob Shannon '66

Dick Fleming

July 5, 2017

Imagine my surprise at meetin Koz crossing the street here in Nashville while here with the NAshville Knights. We had great times at Norwich. You will be missed Koz.
The LORD bless you and keep you: The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. ( Numbers 6:24-26 RSV)

Joe and Karen Dyson

July 5, 2017

May God be with your family at this time of great sorrow. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Joe and Karen Dyson
Class of 65

At induction into Norwich University Sports Hall of Fame - October 4, 2015

Bob and Dottie Priestley

July 5, 2017

Gary Fay

July 5, 2017

A true Mass. Hockey Legend !! RIP George !!

July 4, 2017

I worked briefly with George at Brockton High. He was one of the nicest kindest men I've ever known. His kind nature will forever be with me. I'm so sorry for your loss. We have all lost a great man. Peter Vuono- Brockton

July 4, 2017

My thoughts and prayers to Coach Kozak and his family. Coach took an interest in me during my time at New Prep. Although I was a marginal hockey player at New Prep, Coach was a great help to me in the during the college application process. I never forgot that. Rest In Peace Coach.

John

Mary Chesnut (formerly Knudsen)

July 4, 2017

So sad. I fondly remember George's passion for hockey. His dedication to the early Ice Pilots and Head Coach Al Pederson. George your laughter and enthusiasm lit up everywhere you stood. Thank you sir. You will be missed.

July 4, 2017

George always possessed a contagious good and loving spirit.His ice hockey coaching and teaching were superior. For many years his New Prep teams in Boston were the single best prep ice hockey team in New England. His players went on to BC. BU, NE, & Harvard amongst a few. HIs laughter and spirited ways will be missed by all. God bless George and his family.

Sincerely yours,

Bob Toran

July 4, 2017

Call him Koz, Mikey, Zippy it doesn't matter; I will always call him my pal!! When I heard of his passing I was saddened and will be for a long time, however I'm fortunate to have the many memories and to have shared good and bad times together. Love you pal, you are the best!!!
Mario

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