Sam COZZA

1955 - 2017

COZZA, Sam

Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend died on January 14th. Sam was born in Spokane on March 15th, 1955 to Pat and Lidia Cozza, who had recently emigrated here from Calabria, Italy. Sam was such a joy to his parents and younger sisters, Mary and Sandra.
Sam loved learning and excelled in school, and was even known to spend his free time reading through the encyclopedia. He was a proud 1973 graduate of Gonzaga Preparatory School, a school he continued to love and support his entire life. He continued his Jesuit education at Gonzaga University, graduating with a degree in history in 1977. It would be hard to find a more loyal and ardent Zag fan. Law School had long been his dream, and he fulfilled that dream at the University of Washington, graduating in 1980.
To the delight of his family, he settled back in Spokane, working for 10 years as a deputy prosecutor for Spokane County. In 1990, he ran for, and was elected, as a Spokane County District Court Judge. In 1996, he ran for, and was elected, as a Spokane County Superior Court Judge, a position he held until his death. For the last three years, he served as presiding judge, and throughout his career he served as the Chair of the Superior Court Judges Association Criminal Law and Rules Committee, as well as a member of the Legislative Committee. He was instrumental in getting bills passed that pertained to the court.
On November 26, 1988, Sam married Megan McDowell at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Spokane. They shared 28 wonderful years of marriage together. Sam was a loving husband and was deeply cherished by his wife. They transitioned from being a happy married couple to a happy family when Joey (1991), Matthew (1993), and Clare (1994) were born. Sam loved being a father and was active in assisting and attending his children's youth sports activities. Seeing Matthew and Clare graduate from Gonzaga Prep, and then continue on to Gonzaga University, was a dream come true for him.
Sam was immensely proud of his Italian Heritage. He stayed in close contact with his relatives in Italy and was an active member of the American-Italian Club. He also served the community through his participation in the Spokane Shadle-North Lions Club and as a member of the Gonzaga Prep Board. Sam was an incredible trivia buff, and was known to single-handedly win trivia competitions. He was a faithful, lifelong Catholic and actively participated in the Church.
Sam was preceded in death by his father Pat this past May. He is survived by his wife Megan and children Joey, Matthew, and Clare, as well as his mother Lidia, his sisters Mary (Mike) Broemeling and Sandra (Kevin) McKee, and their families. Sam touched the lives of so many people. He was loved, admired, and respected by more people than can be counted.
Sam's life and legacy will be celebrated at his Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 21st, at 2:30 pm at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 330 E. Boone, Spokane. For those wishing to make a charitable contribution in honor of Sam, please consider donating to Gonzaga Preparatory School's Fair Share program (1224 E. Euclid Ave, 99207). Arrangements have been entrusted to: