Nick Kozma

Nick T. Kozma passed away on July 19 after a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and holding his granddaughter's hand when he went home to be with our Lord. He was born on May 16, 1922, in Wainright, Ohio to Nicholas and Elizabeth (Body) Kozma. He graduated from Garfield High School and later worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Nick served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Signal Corp during World War II and was stationed in Algeria. He retired from Ohio Bell after 43 years of service. One of his last assignments took him to Puerto Rico for several years which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a member of St. Vincent Catholic Church where he served as a commentator, Eucharistic minister and server, and the Holy Name Society. Nick was a member of many organizations over the years including the Telephone Pioneers, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Highland Square Seniors and Marygrove Auxiliary. He believed in giving back to the community and was an active volunteer up until the end of his life. Some of the organizations he supported with his time were Toys of Love, Mobile Meals, Sacred Heart kuglof bakers, The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, First Night of Akron, Hardesty Park Art Expo and the Akron Marathon. Nick was very proud of his Hungarian heritage. He and his wife Mary Ann enjoyed cooking ethnic foods for their family and friends, and Nick's sauerkraut soup was a favorite that he served every Christmas. His greatest pleasure was getting his family together and one of our greatest memories will be the state park and beach reunions he organized. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Ann (Breen), his brother and sisters, John Kozma, Elizabeth Konopka, Helen Taggart, Mary Capra and Ethel Kozma. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Papp), sons and daughters-in-law, Nick (Bev), Michael (Susan), Ted, and Tom (Teresa) Kozma; stepchildren and spouses, Margie (Tom) White, Mike, David (Jane), Kevin (Monica) and Ken (Jen) Kurko; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He also leaves best buddies from Blair House, Sharky and Bucky. His family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service on Ridgewood Road. Your kindness and compassion were and are greatly appreciated. The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 22, 2014 from 2-6 p.m. at Hummel Funeral Home, 3475 Copley Rd., Copley, 44321. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Vincent Catholic Church. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Corrigan Education Fund, c/o St. Vincent Elementary School, 17 South Maple Street, Akron, OH 44303.