Edward Kosjer Obituary

Edward Kosjer NORFOLK - Edward "Moon" Kosjer passed away peacefully Feb. 11, 2009, at the age of 88. He was a beloved husband, father, friend, mentor and humanitarian. The youngest of 12 children, he was born July 27, 1920, in Johnstown, Pa., to Serbian immigrants, Joseph and Emelia Kosjer. Growing up in Johnstown, he was known for his creative roller skating exhibitions with close friend Clara Kindya. He proudly served in the armed forces branch of the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during World War II. When he moved to Norfolk he continued to use his skating talents to teach many kids in the Tidewater area at roller and ice-skating rinks he opened. It was while he was teaching roller-skating that he met his future wife, Erma Smith, when she brought her daughter, Patricia, for lessons. They became a family in 1949 when they married. Moon and Erma were partners in marriage and business as the proprietors of Town and Country and Cindee's Beauty Salons in Norfolk and Portsmouth. Desiring to be involved in something greater than himself, Moon joined the Wards Corner Lions Club in 1953. He dedicated his life to ensuring that all people have access to the precious gift of sight. He was a leader on the local level as club president and continued to serve as Governor of Lions District 24-D and then as an International Director of Lions Clubs International. He was a friend and confidant to numerous presidents of Lions Clubs International. Moon is a founder of the Child Study Center at Old Dominion University, the Children's Eye Clinic at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, and the Lions Center for Sight at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He is also the founder and retired executive director of the Lions Medical Eye Bank & Research Center of Eastern Virginia. In spite of poor health he organized an eye bank in the Philippines in 2007. Another project close to Moon's heart was organizing more than 30 years of Christmas parties for blind and physically challenged children with limited means. Moon was predeceased by his wife, Erma S. Kosjer, as well as his parents and 11 brothers and sisters. Moon is survived by his daughters, Patricia Close and Cindi (Glenn) Prince. He is survived by his grandchildren, Christy Close, Stacy Close, Rachel Prince, Daniel Prince, David Prince, Joel Prince and Luke Prince and his niece, Trish (Steve) Puchko. He is also survived by his very dear friend, Ernest (Tracy) Hardee, and companion Muriel Farrish. Friends and beneficiaries of his life's work are invited to celebrate Moon at a memorial service Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009, at 2 p.m. in Westminster Canterbury, 3100 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach. The family would like to thank the staff at Westminster Canterbury and Oddesy Hospice for their compassionate care of Moon. Memorial contributions may be made in Moon's honor to the Lions Medical Eye Bank, 600 Gresham Drive, Norfolk, VA 23507. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 15, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Kosjer

7 Entries

Lewis Cline

February 28, 2009

"Moon", a fine Lion, my mentor and friend, our lives are so much better because of him, Lewis, Teresa and Tiffany Cline

Brock & Ruth Robertson

February 17, 2009

Moon has been a great inspiration in our Lions' life. We both will miss him and his guidance in all things associated with Lions Clubs International and in District 24D

Ron Shelton

February 15, 2009

In loving memory to a wonderful being, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Moon Kosjer. A long time member of the Wards Corner Lions Club, with my Father, Moon was a frequent visitor to our home and I am blessed with the memory of his friendship and support to our family. At fundraisers ranging from selling halloween candy, fruitcakes or brooms, at cook outs or conventions or just regular Lions Club business or meetings, Moon was frequently in our company and I am grateful for those memories. God bless you, Moon.

Frank (Hank) Wilson

February 15, 2009

Moon was such an inspiration to me when I was a youngster and later in my adult years. His work ethic was something to behold. His wife Erma and Moon were very close to my Mother, Hazel Wilson, who loved them both very much. To Patricia I offer my deepest sympathy and pray Moon will fine everlasting peace.

Cora Bishop

February 15, 2009

Mr. Kosjer would probably not remember me for I was just one of so many children who enjoyed him and his skating rink there at Ward's Corner. I can remember him as such a happy and pleasant man who would never hesitate to say "hello" or help me up if I fell.

I appreciate what he did for all of us young people and how he had a good place for us to go and not be fearful of trouble.

I am sorry for your loss and for the people that have grown to love him as he made such a difference in so very many lives.

Karen Rotolo

February 15, 2009

Lion Moon led by example, and taught all his Lion friends the meaning of goodness and grace. He will be sorely missed. We are so sorry for your loss, and ours as well.

Joseph Hoggard

February 15, 2009

It has been a long time since I have seen Mr Kosjer. Usually I would think of him when I would see young children skating. I must have been five or six years old when I met Mr Kosjer at the Mercury Roller Rink, he taught me and many other young folks how to skate. Later , perhaps ten years or so, he taught me to ice skate. In later years , when I would run into Mr Kosjer on the street , he would always remember me and always have something nice to say.

I know that Mr.Kosjer was one of my better teachers, I am sure that as he was teaching me how to skate, he was also teaching me to be responsible for myself.

I am sorry that I did not have the opportunity to tell him how much I appreciated him before he died.

Joseph Hoggard

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