Eugene Joseph Kozak

Eugene Joseph Kozak, 79, of Orefield, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 with his wife by his side. Gene is survived by his beloved wife Vincianne (Zavis), his daughter Gena Marie and husband Michael Conron of Ellicott City, MD, his son Michael and wife Dorota of Whitehall, PA, his son Brian and wife Jennifer of York, PA, his six grandchildren, Carolyn (24), Michael John (22), and Patrick Conron (19), Ava Kozak (17), and Joseph (20) and Daniel Kozak (18), sisters-in-law Ruth Kozak, Mary Jo Moerkirk, and Janet Sharp, and nieces and nephews.
Born in Coaldale on December 5, 1944, Gene was the son of the late Walter and Mary Kozak of Lansford and the brother of the late Daniel Kozak. Gene was born as Walter was preparing to fight in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and he first met his father shortly before his first birthday. Gene attended St. Michael's School and Lansford High School where he excelled in football and baseball. After graduation in 1962, he spent a frigid winter in the windy city of Chicago, fueling aircraft for Delta, then returned to Lansford where he followed his mother's adamant advice to attend college.
Gene thrived at East Stroudsburg State College (now University), where he was elected president of Gamma Theta Upsilon Honor Society, and played football until he was sidelined with a knee injury. He was invited to try out for the New York Mets but his knee injury also ended his baseball career. Gene earned his BS in Secondary Education in 1968, the first member of his family to earn a degree, started his teaching career at Nitschmann Junior High School in Bethlehem, and returned to East Stroudsburg to earn an MA in Geography in 1971.
Gene and Vinci dated while he completed his degree and Vinci attended nursing school. They married after graduation on August 24, 1968 and shared a devoted union of over 56 years. Gene retired with 37 years of service as a Social Studies teacher at Nitschmann where he acted as a mentor and friend to numerous colleagues and students who have kept in touch through the years. He coached the school football team in the 1970's, winning the championship one season. Gene could not go out in the Lehigh Valley without seeing grateful former students and he reveled in hearing of their achievements, often to the chagrin of his waiting family.
Gene and Vinci raised their family in Macungie, and later, Allentown, actively participating in St Thomas More and St. Paul's parishes. Gene was a devoted father and a proud grandfather. He and Vinci worked tirelessly to give their children every advantage with Gene working nights and weekends as a house painter and Vinci taking nursing shifts at the hospital. Following Gene's mom's advice, they put each of their children through college. Always present in their lives, Gene was a constant source of emotional support, love, and tenderness for his family. His faith in God, kindness, and willingness to share stories about local sports and Pennsylvania railroads brightened the lives of all who were lucky to know him.
Gene retired in 2005, and he and Vinci moved to Orefield, becoming communicants at St. Joseph the Worker Church, where they loved to support the parish festival. He had a wonderful retirement because he was able to spend time doing the things he loved. First among these was watching his grandchildren grow into young adults. He delighted in their successes and provided strong support for their disappointments. He also enjoyed vacationing with his family at the Jersey Shore or in the Outer Banks. He was always game for family outings like trips to Camden Yard for Oriole games where he would proudly wear his Yankee cap or car rides to anything involving trains, including a recent trip to an old train depot where he may or may not have missed the passing train! Recently, he became proficient in YouTube and livestream and loved watching his grandchildren's games and graduations (when not watching the Weather Channel). His particular joy was sharing a love of Penn State football with Gena and Brian and his annual October railroad or history-focused trips with Michael.
Gene's later years were further enriched by student teaching and volunteering at Sacred Heart Hospital, where he loved engaging every visitor. He was told it would take years of seniority to be a hospital greeter, which he achieved in weeks! Another source of joy in retirement was breakfast with his teacher cronies Bill, Chuck, Dave, and John. He had a passion for gardening and could often be found planting, pruning, or educating the neighbors on the various perennials, often with a cheap cigar in hand to "keep the bugs away!"
Gene will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the generations of former students whose lives he influenced. A Memorial Service is planned for December 15, 2024, at 2pm at Stephens Funeral Home at 274 Krocks Rd. in Allentown. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 12:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gene's name to: St. Joseph the Worker, Capital Campaign. Contributions may be mailed to St. Joseph the Worker Church. 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield PA 18069