Philip Francis Cossich

Philip Francis Cossich, 89, passed away on February 4, 2023. He was born on October 4, 1933, on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. He proudly served in the Korean War in the United States Army. He was the devoted husband of Miriam Mae Lacombe Cossich for 65 years; the proud father of Philip F. Cossich, Jr. (Deena), Dr. Dimetry B. Cossich (Emme); and Judge Joy Cossich Lobrano (Francis "Jay"); the adoring grandfather "Pop" of Christina deYoung (Michael), Philip F. Cossich III (Sarah), Melissa Myers (Will), Dr. Dimetry B. Cossich, Jr. (Kateryna); Dr. Elizabeth-Lee Crews (Will), Tiffany Mae Cossich (fiancé Sam Sands), Dr. Miriam Mae Lobrano (fiancé Weldon Furr), Joseph Cossich, and Nicholas Francis Lobrano; the loving great-grandfather of Michael deYoung, Jr., Mary Doris Cossich; Alexander deYoung; Stella Cossich, William Myers, Jr., Emma Crews, Maya Cossich, Philip F. Cossich IV, Lillian Crews, and Katherine Myers. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Mann (Charlie) and his good friend and cousin, Claude "Zig" Cossich and many affectionate nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Dimetry and Ruby Cossich, his brother Carroll Cossich (Bertha), and his sister Geraldine Garcich (John). Philip spent his childhood in Empire, Louisiana, where he was an altar server at St. Ann Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing and Saturday night dances. He graduated from Buras High School, loved playing baseball, and was on the 1951 State Championship football team. He attended Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) where he met Miriam, the love of his life. They married in 1957. He always said that he was the luckiest man in the world because Miriam fell in love with him. Philip and Miriam received their Bachelor's Degrees in Education from Holy Cross University and were teachers at Buras High School. Philip taught 7th grade math and physical education for the elementary school and was the disciplinarian for middle school and a coach of all sports. He loved to exercise and jog and help many of his students to recognize the importance of hard work, health, and education. He inspired many of his students to pursue their dreams and always found those students who needed a pat on the back and encouragement and support. Philip loved being Pop to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Philip and Miriam attended all their events and Philip was the grandfather holding the balloons and flowers at their music, theatre, and dance recitals and performances and first to arrive at their sport games to get the best stadium seat. He enjoyed playing golf and traveling with Miriam during his retirement years. Philip loved his family, church, and country and lived his life to the fullest. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8968 Highway 23, Belle Chasse, LA 70037 at 2:00 p.m. Visitation at the church will begin 11:00 a.m. Please consider donating in Philip's memory to St. Ann Church, through St. Patrick Catholic Church, 28698 Highway 23,Port Sulphur, LA 70083