Allen S. Koziol

1944 - 2016

Allen S. Koziol 1944 - 2016
Resident of Fort Plain
FORT PLAIN - Mr. Allen S. Koziol, age 71, of Canal Street in Fort Plain, NY, passed away on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, after a brief illness. He was enveloped in love and laughter in the days and moments preceding his death. He will be fondly remembered, and deeply missed, by all those who loved him.
The family asks that you think of Al with a smile. His easy-going attitude, sense of humor, and considerate nature were a light to all who were lucky to know him, and are his legacy. Learn from Al the importance of making time for family and other loved ones: whether it's playing golf with a friend or attending a child's school event. Laugh, tell people you love them, and check in. The world is a better place because Al lived in it and made time to be kind to all those he encountered.
The most important thing to Allen was his family, and he made this apparent each day of his life. He is survived by his beloved family: his wife of 28 years, Alice, with whom he loved spending time on the boat on their favorite lake and taking long walks on the path near their home; his mother, Mildred Koziol, of Little Falls, whom he saw weekly on their special Wednesdays; his children, Melissa, of Dolgeville, Kris and his wife, Nancy, of Bennington, VT, and Melanie and her husband, Chris, of Ballston Spa, NY. Allen's grandchildren held a special place in his heart and each brought him limitless joy and pride. Being a grandfather was his favorite thing and he will be missed by Daniel, Laeken, Chase, Tyler, and Eric. Allen attended countless sporting events to cheer on his grandchildren and loved supporting them in this way. Allen is also survived by his mother-in-law, Betty Przestrzelski, of Canajoharie; and many special aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was met by his beloved father, Stanley Koziol; and his father-in-law, Daniel Przestrzelski.
Allen was born on December 17, 1944, in Little Falls, the only son of his parents, Stanley and Mildred (Rohacek) Koziol. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1963 and received a Bachelor's Degree at SUNY Utica. Allen retired from Beech-Nut, of Canajoharie, and enjoyed substitute teaching in Fort Plain in retirement.
Allen served our country as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge in 1969, he was the recipient of a National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, a Combat Action Ribbon and a Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was also presented the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Citation. He was a lifetime member of the Fort Plain VFW and a longtime member of the St. Johnsville American Legion.
Graveside funeral services will be held, with full military honors, on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 11:00 AM at Church Street Cemetery in Little Falls, with Rev. Jeff Frank, officiating. Following the services, the family invites friends and family to gather for refreshments, and a celebration of Al's life at the Little Falls Elk's Lodge.
Those who wish to remember Allen in a special way may make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in his name. Envelopes are available at the Enea Family Funeral Home.
Gratitude is extended to St. Mary's Hospital, in Amsterdam, and Ellis Hospital, in Schenectady, for their kindness to and care of Al during his illness. The family also thanks The Enea Family Funeral Home in St. Johnsville, NY, for their assistance.
Online notes of sympathy may be offered by visiting www.eneafamily.com.