Henry Thomas ("Hank") Kossler, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in prayer. Beloved husband and best friend of Sally (nee Baldauf), with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Hank was the proud father of Kelly Henry (Randy) of Gunter, Texas, Karen Weber (Jeff) of Lakewood, Ohio and Tim Kossler of Venice, Florida; devoted "Pap" to Wesley Weber (Lauren), Kimberly Kriaris (Steven), Katy Kossler Thornton (Blake), Sara Kossler and Lauren Kossler; and favorite uncle to 31 nieces and nephews. Hank was born on June 11, 1938, and grew up in Pittsburgh. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Virginia (nee Crum), and his siblings Joyce, Phillip, and Charlotte. Growing up, Hank and his brother Dave (Marcy) were inseparable – they shared a room, many crazy adventures, and were known as a matching set as altar servers at St. Martin. He graduated from Langley High School in Pittsburgh and attended the University of Pittsburgh before joining the Air Force in 1956.
Almost seventy years ago, Sally and Hank danced at their prom, and wrote each other daily letters while he was in basic training, and Sally quickly became the center of his universe. They were married in Castle Shannon, PA on September 3, 1960 – and were a living manifestation of Catholic marriage vows through 64 years of partnership, trials, mutual admiration, and making each other laugh. Their love is an eternal channel of strength and a foundational example for the family they proudly built together.
Hank proudly served in the U.S. Air Force and the Air National Guard for 20 years as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt) and aircraft mechanic. He primarily worked at J&L Steel, and other steel companies in the Pittsburgh and Northeast Ohio areas.
Sally and Hank raised their family in Bethel Park, PA and he was known widely in the neighborhood as 'Mr. P', as in perfect, because there was nothing he couldn't fix or improve with his diligence, persistence, and attention to detail. Family was the center of his world, and his three children knew they were the luckiest kids from an early age, as he was never too busy to put them to bed, play on the floor with them and teach them valuable lessons.
His favorite role in life was 'Pap', and he had a special relationship with each of his five grandchildren. He and Nan built a strong, connected family through magical memories at Christmastime, summer road trips to Nags Head, and Sunday night dinners where he'd greet them with the tightest of hugs. The strength of his family is a testament to his devotion to traditions and faith, his eagerness to listen, and his ability to forgive and carry on. He was known for his quick wit and cheer. Family dinners always started with a prayer, a toast and lots of fun and laughter.
He was also a father figure and advisor to dozens of other people - especially to nieces Amy Spencer McKee and Kristen Spencer Stribling. Sally and he moved from Pittsburgh to Northeast Ohio in the 1980s, and he lived the phrase 'Love your neighbor as yourself', evidenced by the neighbors from Bethel Park, Solon, Hudson and Lorain whom he saw as extended members of his own family.
His Catholic faith, kindness and humility guided him throughout his life as he served his country, community, family and God. He had a special devotion to our Lady of Lourdes and Padre Pio and his family would gather and pray 'Stay with Me, Lord', which gave him strength.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 3655 Oberlin Avenue, Lorain OH immediately followed by a reception at Lakewood Country Club at 2613 Bradley Road, Westlake, OH. Private interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers and at Hank's request, please consider helping to support St. Peter's Parish in Lorain with their vital work in the local community.