Albert William Kosko

Col. Albert W. Kosko, USAF Ret., age 99, of New Braunfels, TX, passed away on, Thursday, May 16, 2019 at his home. A Committal Service will be held 10:45 AM Friday, May 31, 2019 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. There will be no visitation or viewing at the funeral home.

Al Kosko was no ordinary man, a true American, born Albert William Kosko on March 29, 1920 to Francis and Alexander Koskovich, in Maspeth, NY. His father was a cabinet maker and built the cabinets in the Rockefeller mansion, where his mother met Mrs. Rockefeller and became her personal seamstress. Al had his own paper route at an early age and learned to drive a vehicle by nine, and by the age of twelve he delivered pharmaceutical products in the pharmacist’s car. As a young child his family moved to Long Island, NY. It was there that his favorite uncle, Bill, introduced him to airplanes, and his Uncle John, a lieutenant in the Long Island Police Department introduced him to motorcycles by giving him rides on his police motorcycle. Flying became his lifelong passion. Al joined the army as a young adult and was part of the of the air core Division, which later became the Air Force, where after 38 years he retired as a Colonel. He fought in World War II, where he served with General Patton during the African Exchange. While serving under General Patton, Al flew the bomber that fired live ammunition over the American soldiers training for the African Exchange. While serving in Blythe, CA, General Patton told Al, “Kosko you’ve been on this base too long. Get a bottle of Whiskey, a woman, and a motel and get off the base.” Al replied, “Old man if I leave this base I’m going to get married. ”Patton repeated, “Just get off this base and get a bottle of whiskey, a woman and a motel.” In response Al said, “Sir, if I leave this base I’m going to New York and get married.” General Patton reiterated; I don’t care Kosko. “Get off the base.” At that point, Al called his girlfriend Elaine, and told her to get on a train to New York City and meet his sister, Francis. His sister picked her up and brought Elaine to his parent’s house. Al arrived in New York and went to his home. When he entered the living room and saw Elaine sitting next to the wood stove, he knelt down on one knee and proposed to her. The next day they walked down to his mother’s church to get married, but the pastor wasn’t there. They proceeded to the next church down the street where they made their wedding vows, which they kept for more than 65 years. Al touched many lives and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Elaine was the love of his life, and he always affectionately referred to her as his bride.

He is survived by granddaughter, Denise Kosko; great-granddaughter, Chonese Shroyer.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6