David Kozlosky

David D. Kozlosky, 82, of Glenburn, died Friday evening, February 22, 2013 in Hospice Community Care, Dunmore. His devoted wife of 58 years, the former Clara Matylewicz, was his caregiver and love of his life. The couple was married June 26, 1954.

Born March 31, 1930, in North Scranton, he was the son of the late Frank and Veronica (Bennett) Kozlosky. A longtime resident of Glenburn for more than 59 years, he formerly lived in Dickson City. He was a 1947 graduate of Dickson City High School and Johnson Technical College, where he studied carpentry. While attending Johnson College, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve. After graduation, he worked for R.D. Richardson Construction, Scranton, as a carpenter and was inducted into the Army. His basic training was at Fort Indiantown Gap and 16 weeks advanced leadership school.

He was deployed to Korea and assigned as a gunner, 2nd Battalion, 17th Regiment, 7th Division. He advanced to Machine Gun Section Leader with the rank of Sergeant 1st class. He was honored with the Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Ribbon with one Battle Star and the United Nations Service Medal.

He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1953 and began his career as an Electrical Mechanical Draftsman, having worked for Daystrom Industry Link Aviation in Binghamton, N.Y.; International Salt Company, Clarks Summit; and Bellante & Clause, Scranton. He retired in 1994 from the Tobyhanna Army Depot as a Supervisor of the Drafting Department.

As a skilled carpenter, he and his wife built their home in Glenburn in 1953. He was stricken with polio at the early age of 26 in 1956. He spent 16 months of rehabilitation at the Wilkes-Barre Medical Center before returning to work as an Electrical Mechanical Draftsman. His determination and zest for living was not deterred by his handicap. He enjoyed traveling and went on many bus trips to Niagara Falls, N.Y., and New Orleans. Dave and with the love of his life celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip to San Francisco, Hawaii and Las Vegas. Their 40th anniversary was commemorated with a cruise to the western Caribbean. Dave was proud that at the age of 70, he fulfilled a lifetime dream of going for a Glider Adventure at the Harris Hill Airport, Elmira, N.Y.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and a life member of Abington Memorial VFW Post 7069. Active in the community and among his civic endeavors, he served on the Glenburn Township Planning Commission for more than 20 years, a member and N.E. Polio Association and was a past treasurer, Abington Senior Center Site Council, having served as vice president; the Abington Service Citizens Association, N.E. Heart Association, the Scranton Chapter of AARP and the Glenburn Sportsman Club and the Pa., Bay State and National Wheelchair Games, having received Gold and Bronze medals in Archery and Bowling.

Also surviving are three daughters, Karen Sewack, Greenfield Twp.; Ellen Jackson and husband, Gary, Scotrun; Susan Teska and husband, Mark, Baldwinsville, N.Y.; a brother, Donald Kozlosky, Peckville; three grandchildren, Samantha Sewack, Molly and David Teska; a great-granddaughter, Lily Rose; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Joseph Sewack, who died in 2007; a brother, Francis; two sisters-in-law, Pearl and Irene Kozlosky; brother-in-law, (Bud) Matylewicz; two nephews, Godson Tom Matylewicz and Bruce Matylewicz; his in-laws, Stanley and Julia Matylewicz.

It was Dave's wish to express his sincere appreciation and special thanks to his relatives, friends and compassionate neighbors from the first generation to the third, for their helpful concern, continued support and love throughout his illness. Dave's family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the love and compassionate care to Dr. Louis Adamo, Dr. Giovanni Ramos, and the caregivers at AseraCare, the nurses, home nursing and the hospice nurses, especially Sherri and Donna, who became loving extended family.

The funeral will be Tuesday with Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 South State Street, Clarks Summit. Interment with full military honors, St. Joseph Cemetery, Scott Township.

The family will receive relatives and friends Monday, 4 to 7 p.m., at the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. VFW Post 7069 will conduct a memorial service at 6:30.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Snows Building Fund, 301 S. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929.