Edward S. "Chirp" Kozel

Edward S. 'Chirp' Kozel

Edward S. "Chirp" Kozel, 87, of Lansford, a man of steady hands and a rhythmic heart, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 8, 2026, at Maple Shade Meadows, Nesquehoning, where he resided for a few short months.

Born and raised in Lansford, Ed was the only son of his late parents, Steve "Chirp" and Edna (Silesky) Kozel.

He was a graduate of Lansford High School, Class of 1956, and soon after joined the military. Ed was a proud veteran who served our country in the U.S. Army before returning home to build a life defined by craftsmanship and devotion to his family.

Ed worked at Mack Trucks, Inc., Allentown, for over 30 years.

Perhaps his greatest physical legacy is the cabin he built with his bare hands alongside his beloved wife, Florence "Flo" (Dunsavage) Kozel. It was there, amidst the woods he loved, that he spent his happiest days hunting, cutting grass with his tractor, watching the sunrise on the deck, or fishing at nearby Locust Lake.

Ed was a man of deep passions. To his neighbors, he was the man who kept his truck in pristine condition, ensuring every bell and whistle was sharp until the very end. To the local community, he was the heartbeat of the Pennsylvania Villagers, where he played bass guitar in the polka band for over 50 years, up until a few months before his passing. When he wasn't making music, he was likely cheering on his Philadelphia Eagles and Penn State Lions, often content to watch re-runs of the game just to relive the highlights.

Ed was a devout Catholic and a current member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill.

He is reunited in heavenly peace with his wife, Florence Kozel, and their son, Steven Kozel.

Ed's legacy of strength and song lives on through his loving daughter, Eileen (Brudish) Fitzsimmons, and her husband Jim; and his cherished grandchildren, Jake Brudish (wife Mallory) and Hayley Brudish (husband Joel Linares Vargas).

Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Thursday, March 12, St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill. Interment will follow at Sky-View Memorial Park, Hometown. Call 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the church. Funeral arrangements have been placed in the care of the Parambo Funeral Home of Summit Hill. Online condolences may be shared at www.parambofh.com.