Edward M. Kosjer

EDWARD "MOON" KOSJER OBITUARY NORFOLK, VIRGINIA; Edward "Moon" Kosjer passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2009 at the age of 88. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, mentor, and humanitarian. The youngest of twelve children, he was born July 27, 1920 in Johnstown, Pa. to Serbian Immigrants, Joseph and Emelia Kosjer. Growing up in Johnstown, he was known for his creative roller skating exhibitions with close friend Clara Kindya. He proudly served in the armed forces branch of the US Army as a paratrooper during WW II. When he moved to Norfolk he continued to use his skating talents to teach many kids in the Tidewater area at roller and ice-skating rinks he opened. It was while he was teaching roller-skating that he met his future wife, Erma Smith, when she brought her daughter, Patricia, for lessons. They became a family in 1949 when they married. Moon and Erma were partners in marriage and business as the proprietors of Town and Country and Cindee's Beauty Salons in Norfolk and Portsmouth. Desiring to be involved in something greater than himself, Moon joined the Wards Corner Lions Club in 1953. He dedicated his life to ensuring that all people have access to the precious Gift of Sight. He was a leader on the local level as club President and continued to serve as Governor of Lions District 24-D and then as an International Director of Lions Clubs International. He was a friend and confidant to numerous Presidents of Lions Clubs International. Moon is a founder of the Child Study Center at Old Dominion University, the Children's Eye Clinic at Children's hospital of the Kings Daughters, and the Lions Center for Sight at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He is also the founder and retired Executive Director of the Lions Medical Eye Bank & Research Center of Eastern Virginia. In spite of poor health he organized an eye bank in the Philippines in 2007. Another project close to Moon's heart was organizing more than 30 years of Christmas parties for blind and physically challenged children with limited means. Moon is predeceased by his wife, Erma S. Kosjer, as well as his parents and 11 brothers and sisters. Moon is survived by his daughters Patricia Close and Cindi (Glenn) Prince. He is survived by his grandchildren Christy Close, Stacy Close, Rachel Prince, Daniel Prince, David Prince, Joel Prince, and Luke Prince and his niece, Trish (Steve) Puchko. He is also survived by his very dear friend Ernest (Tracy) Hardee, and companion Muriel Farrish. Friends and beneficiaries of his life's work are invited to celebrate Moon at a memorial service on Saturday February 28, 2009 at 2:00pm at Westminster Canterbury, 3100 Shore Dr., Va Beach. The family would like to thank the staff at Westminster Canterbury and Oddesy Hospice for their compassionate care of Moon. Memorial contributions may be made in Moon's honor to the Lions Medical Eye Bank, 600 Gresham Dr., Norfolk, Va 23507. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com