Lawrence Ralph Kozak

LAWRENCE RALPH KOZAK, 87, of North Olmsted. Born in 1934, in Cleveland. Died March 1, 2022, in Avon, Ohio. Married Irene Klemme, who predeceased him, on July 26, 1958, at St. Procop's Church in Cleveland. Loving father of Robert (companion Janice Kritchevsky) of Lafayette, Ind.; Kathryn (companion Simeon Chow) of Glen Allen, Va.; Michael (companion Angela Petty) of Hermitage, Tenn.; and Mark (wife Jennifer Kozak) of Avon Lake, Ohio. Cherished grandfather of Jason Kozak (wife Junie De Vega Mamsaang) of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Jeffery Nemeth of Sheffield Lake, Ohio; and Corey Nemeth (wife Ashley Nemeth) of Cleveland, Ohio. Dear great-grandfather of Lilith Jean Mamsaang Kozak of Colorado Springs.

Lawrence was a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area. He graduated from Benedictine High School (1952) and Ohio University (1956) before beginning his career in education. Lawrence taught at Whittier Junior High School (Lorain), St. Peter Chanel High School (Bedford), Hinckley Elementary School, and finally at various schools in the North Olmsted district. He also gave private music lessons, and played clarinet and saxophone at numerous venues, most notably the Greenbrier, Pesano's Restaurant, and Springvale Ballroom.

Lawrence collected postage stamps in his youth before turning his attention to matchcovers and serving multiple terms in various offices of the Forest City Matchcover Club. His devotion to the hobby was ultimately rewarded when he was inducted into the Rathkamp Matchcover Society Hall of Fame in 2005. Lawrence was also a devoted fan of jazz, Cleveland sports teams, and the Three Stooges.

Lawrence is survived by sister Sharon Kozak of Washington, D.C. He was preceded in death by sister Karen and parents Clarence and Elizabeth. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on June 5, 2022, with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m., at the Busch Funeral Home, 21369 Center Ridge Rd., Fairview Park, Ohio 44116. (440) 333-9774 www.buschcares.com