Arthur S. Cozzi

1923 - 2025

Art S. Cozzi

December 9, 1923 - May 24, 2025

Los Banos, California - Art Cozzi passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday May 24, 2025. He was 101 years of age. Art is one of three boys and two girls born to Dominic and Mary Cozzi of Los Banos. The Cozzi family is one of the oldest families in Los Banos and has been in Los Banos for 200 years. His father worked for Henry Miller as a blacksmith and horse shoer.

He was the youngest boy. Graduated High School in the Class of 1943. Married October 23, 1949, to the love of his life Ludy Cozzi for 73 years, until her passing in January 2023. He is survived by his children, Linda Parreira, Terri Dompeling (Gerald) and Gary (Anthony). Survived by his grandchildren, Janay Parkinson (Kurt) and Jason Parreira (Sharene) and five great-grandchildren, Abbigail, Hannah Parkinson, Clayton, Kavin and Aivry Parreira.

Rodeoing was a great passion of this life. Art participated in calf roping, and team roping. He had a roping arena on his ranch and put on roping events every Wednesday night and served the ropers dessert, after in his home. Some of his fondest memories include living in such a nice place as Merced County, the friends he has made, and Team roping for over 40 years at the Fairs.

Art was a cattle buyer and cattle hauler for over 71 years. He hauled cattle at the age of 96 to Los Banos Abattoir, and Turlock Sales Yard. He enjoyed being a cattle buyer and helping ranchers and dairyman. In August 2020, Art moved to New Bethany Assisted and Skilled Living, until his passing.

His community service included working as a Ringman for the Los Banos May Day Fair and the Merced County Fair for over 70 years. He was recognized in 1998 for his years of service to the Los Banos Fair and recognized in 2002 for his years of service to the Merced County Fair. In 2009, Art was honored as the Merced County Fair and Rodeo Grand Marshall.

In 1946 he was one of 25 original members of the Merced County Sheriff's Posse. He was honored at the Merced County Old Timers - 85 years and older in 2009.

In 1956, he was one of several cowboys from Gilroy, Dos Palos, El Nido and Los Banos, to start the Los Banos Rodeo Assn., known later as the Los Banos May Day Fair Amateur Rodeo. He served as the Secretary, taking notes and keeping track of the entry fees of $ 10.00 for Saddle Bronc and $ 20.00 per team for Team roping.

He inspired goodness to those he met. He was a very hard-working dedicated man, who loved his family and deeply enjoyed riding horses and team roping. We know God has a horse saddled and ready to ride when he arrives and are comforted knowing that his is now with his wife Ludy.

Services will be held on Wednesday June 11, 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Rosay will be recited at 10:00 a.m. and funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m., burial will follow at the Los Banos District Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, the Nurses, Caregivers and Staff at New Bethany Assisted and Skilled Living, Los Banos and Covenant Care Hospice of Turlock, CA. Please make donations to New Bethany, 1441 Berkeley Dr., Los Banos, CA 93635 or Covenant Hospice, 125 N. Broadway 1A, Turlock, CA 95380.