Dr Richard Kossmann

Dr. Richard John Kossmann age 92 died peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, April 11, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Geralyn Smyth Costantin (1988). Devoted father of Kimberly Kossmann, Kristen Kossmann, Cynthia Wilkinson and her husband Alan, and Erika Miner, and her husband Brewster. Devoted grandfather of 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Arthur T. Kossmann of Duxbury, Mass. Born in East Orange, New Jersey, he earned his B.S. in Engineering from Rutgers University and his M.D. with honors from Cornell University Medical College where he earned the Borden Undergraduate Research award and the Seligmann Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After graduating from Cornell Medical College, Dr. Kossmann's medical career has included substantial experiences in research, teaching and clinical care while on the faculty at his alma mater and subsequently at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, the New Jersey College of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. After a number of years of clinical training in internal medicine, neurology and neuroophthamology, he practiced as a consultant in diseases of the nervous systems at university teaching hospitals as well as urban and community hospitals. Dr. Kossmann has contributed significantly to medical research, publishing numerous studies on neuromuscular diseases and ophthalmology and received multiple recognitions for his contributions to medicine. Dr. Kossmann served in the United States Navy as a Lt. Commander while at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Kossmann was a man of many interests, who truly appreciated literature, classical music, opera, and wine tasting. He was an avid collector of Italian and Scandinavian art glass. He had a passion for ballroom dancing, sailing and car racing. He was active in philanthropy, supporting numerous libertarian causes. He was also a competitive athlete, who received a scholarship to play football at Rutgers. He picked up tennis in his 30's and enjoyed the game his entire life. When he retired from medical practice, he took up horseback riding and competitive polo. He valued the friendships he made at the River Club of New York, the New York Athletic Club, the Larchmont Yacht Club, the Knickerbocker Country Club and The Englewood Field Club. He was a longtime member of the John's Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida where he enjoyed multiple vacations with family and friends. His wealth of knowledge, his compassion, his warm smile and his cheerful sense of humor made an impression on everyone. A celebration of Dr Kossmann's life is being planned in September.