Richard Anthony "Kookie" Brozowski

RICHARD ANTHONY BROZOWSKI SR.
Richard Anthony Brozowski Sr. fell asleep in death on December 15, 2025 with his loyal, beloved wife of 62 years, Lelia Fay (Stallard) Brozowski by his side. She was the love of his life. Richard ("Kookie") was born on February 1, 1944 at the Middletown Sanitarium in Middletown, NY to the late Boleslad William ("Farmer Bill") and Rosemary ("Rosie") Helene (Perkowski) Brozowski and spent his early life growing up on the family's black dirt farm in New Hampton, NY.
As a student in the very first graduating class of Minisink Valley High School 1961 in Slate Hill, NY, Kookie proudly played on the football team and participated in drama productions. After high school, he carried the strong work ethic instilled in him on the family farm throughout his life, first working for local businesses including: Calvert Coat Company, Miller Lumber, Anderson-Cashway Lumber, Grossmans, and Rowley before striking out on his own business ventures. Richard spent many years as a self employed tradesman before growing his own Mighty Auto Parts franchise into a successful small business that provided well for his family and afforded him the means to show the generosity he became known for by many. Following retirement, he kept busy as manager of Exit 42 Self-Storage in Troutman, NC.
More than secular accomplishments, Kookie's faith played a central role in his life. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on July 8, 1972 in Allentown, PA. He remained active in sharing his beliefs even after his health began to fail and he enjoyed being a member of the Middletown, Middletown North, Bloomingburg, Bloomingburg East, Matamoras, Mooresville, Port Jervis, and Hawks Nest congregations over the years. Additionally, he supported many renovations and construction projects on local Kingdom Halls. Creating memories was very important to him, as he was rarely seen without a camera to take photos or home movies of not just special occasions, but documenting the beauty of everyday moments that might otherwise be missed. Of course, preserving these moments wasn't always enough and Kookie put great importance in making sure his favorite music accompanied the video. Even before home editing equipment was available, he could often be found with a portable tape player in his pocket to play Buddy Holly, John Lennon, Paul Simon, or any number of polka songs while he filmed. Hobbies like scuba diving, gardening, and traveling enhanced the great appreciation he had for the creation he observed around him.
His greatest accomplishment and source of pride was his family, both the one he was born into and that he helped build. Richard is survived by his son Richard Anthony Jr. (Rick), and his wife Stephanie. His son-in-law James Dutile, (and his son) the first grandson Cody Austin and his wife Lana Dutile. His daughter Jessica Jane, her husband Peter Markwalter Jr., (and their children) granddaughter Bridget Rosie and grandson Townes Francis. Predeceased by his daughter, Lisa Arleen Dutile. He is also survived by his sister Theresa Bridget and her husband Charlie Wright. His brother William Christopher (Billy) and wife Katherine (Skip) Brozowski. Predeceased by his brothers Walter Arthur Brozowski and David Julius Brozowski. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as a numerous amount of extended loving family through his marriage to Fay.
A memorial service will be held at 6:30 PM on January 2, 2026 at the Port Jervis Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses 100 Shin Hollow Rd., Port Jervis, NY for those who wish to attend.
Arrangements entrusted to Gray-Parker Funeral Home, Inc., 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771. www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com.