John L. Kozis
Newell
John L. “Red” Kozis, 72, of Newell, formerly of Grindstone, fell asleep in his Lord Friday, July 31, 2026, after a very brief bout with cancer. His beloved family surrounded his bedside.
John was born Tuesday, December 22, 1953, in Brownsville, the son of John and Dolores Dominic Kozis.
He was a graduate of Brownsville Area High School, Class of 1971, where he played football.
As a boy he worked the tobacco fields in Connecticut, then later for the US Steel Mill in Monessen. He was a sports referee for many sporting events at the local school districts in the area.
After graduating in May 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with the 911 Airlift wing out of Pittsburgh. He served active and inactive duty retiring from the Air Force with 41 years of service and the rank of Master Sergeant.
Red was a member of the Sons of Italy, Frank Ricco Lodge #731, where he enjoyed playing Bocce, and was a member of Bridgeport Young Men’s Club in Brownsville. He was a member and former trustee of the Santa Barbara Club in Newell, and a member of the Hopwood Amvets and American Legion Post 484 in Fayette City.
He truly loved his family and friends, listening to Patsy Cline, watching Turner Classic Movies, Law & Order SVU, and enjoying a glass or two of Crown Royal whiskey. He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan.
If you knew Red, you would say he lived a cat’s life and spent all (9) of them. He never lacked a parking space; railroad tracks were no exception.
Left to cherish his memory are his sisters: Melodie Kozis-Yeardie of Brownsville, who gave him his nickname, Red; Nicki Kozis-Todaro, with whom he shared a home; and his brother, Mike Kozis and wife Marlene, all from Newell; sister, Angela Kozis-Germano and husband Keith of Virginia; nieces and nephews, Jamie Kozis- Enfield and partner Vern Bloom of Brownsville, Michael John Kozis of Virginia, Tara Todaro (Red’s nursemate) of Newell, Alexandria Dalmolin and husband Devin; and great-niece, Allden Dalmolin of Virginia, Roxanne Myrga and husband Brad (Anthony Kaylee and John and Austin), Shelly Header and husband Brett (Andrew and Cody); many cousins and friends, especially Buddy Aglio, Brad Myrga, Carl Lama, Jerry Dale and Dawn Bateman.
John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, John andDolores Dominic Kozis; brothers-in-law, Vince Todaro and Sam Yeardie; nephew-in-law, Gene Enfield; and many family members and friends.
A very heartfelt thank you to Kelli and Kerri Aglio; special nieces, Tara Todaro and Kaylee McCardle; and nephew, Devin Dalmolin, who were constant at his bedside; Uniontown Hospital, Amedyis Hospice Home Care of Monongahela, and Father Jerome Botsko of Uniontown.
Friends will be received Tuesday, August 4, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in the ELEY- McCRORY FUNERAL HOME, Fayette City.
www.eleymccroryfuneralhome.com
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 5 at 10:30 a.m., in the funeral home, with Father Jerome Botsko officiating.
Interment will follow in the LaFayette Memorial Park, Brier Hill, PA 15415, with full military honors.