Vernon Obituary: Peter Kosak, 85

Peter F. Kosak, 85, of Vernon, husband of Sylvia (Malecki) Kosak, passed away peacefully Monday evening November 12, 2018 at Hartford Hospital.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, the 8th and youngest child of Frank Kosak and Barbara (Koza) Kosak, both originally from Poland.The family moved to New Britain, where Peter graduated from New Britain Senior High School class of 1951. He then enlisted in the military and was assigned to the Air Force Reserve with time spent stationed in Japan.

After serving his 4 years, he attended the University of Connecticut with the help of the G.I. Bill, becoming the first in his family to attend university. He went on to graduate with B.S and M.S. degrees in engineering studies. He remained a member of the V.F.W. throughout his life.

Starting his post university life, he married his wife Sylvia and moved to Windsor. He began his professional career as a licensed civil engineer with the State of Connecticut Department of Health and belonged to several related professional organizations such as: AWWA, NEWWA and ASCE. They raised two sons and were active with St. Gabriel’s church and school.

He retired from the Department of Public Utilities and later moved to Vernon. In retirement Peter devoted much time and passion to the genealogy research of his extended family including traveling to Poland. He belonged to many genealogy organizations and put much time and effort in compiling his family tree. He also volunteered for many years with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) helping elderly and low-income residents with free tax preparation.

An avid reader of current affairs newspapers and magazines, combined with an excellent knowledge of world and U.S. history, he always enjoyed good discourse and was an active member of Toastmasters International.

In addition to his wife Sylvia, married for 52 years, he is survived by his sons, Paul and his wife Anouk, David and his wife Kate; granddaughter Madeline and grandson Joseph - both of whom brought him much joy. He is also survived by his sister Agnes Soltis and cousin Mary Blagusz and many nieces and nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews from the Kosak and Koza families that grew up in New Britain and Hartford.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family during visiting hours on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 2 - 5 p.m., at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Rt. 83) Vernon. A funeral mass for Peter will be celebrated on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 9:30 AM at Saint Joseph Church, 33 West Street, Rockville. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount Saint Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the following two causes: Macular Degeneration Eyesight Research at the BrightFocus Foundation 22512 Gateway Center Drive Clarksburg, MD 20871 or Shriners Hospitals for Children - Springfield 516 Carew St. Springfield, MA 01104.