August 23, 1939 – May 6, 2025
Louis “Lou” Rozanski, Jr., 85, of East Aurora, NY, passed away peacefully at home on May 6th, 2025.
Born on August 23rd, 1939, in Perry, NY. Lou was the son of Louis and Stephanie Rozanski and the brother of Irene and Melanie. A proud graduate of Cortland University, he was a collegiate wrestler who majored in History and later earned a Master’s degree in Education from Canisius College.
In August 1965, Lou married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betsy” Roberts. Together, they built a life grounded in love, learning, and adventure, raising three children—James, Michael, and Stephanie, while creating a home filled with warmth and spirited conversation.
Lou devoted 37 years to teaching at East Aurora High School, where he left a lasting legacy as a beloved educator in European Studies, Government, Economics, and African American Studies, and as the school’s first wrestling coach. He led the team for five years and continued to mentor students as assistant coach for 15 more.
A lifelong learner and passionate explorer, Lou found joy in a wide array of interests. In the late 1960s and 70s, he was an avid sailor alongside his friend Geoff Revett. Known as “Long Lou the Crew,” the pair won numerous accolades, including 1st place at the U.S. National Albacore Association Championship in 1967 and 2nd at the first World Albacore Sailing Championship in 1971.
Lou’s intellectual curiosity knew no bounds. He studied Afghan, Chinese, and Persian rugs at the Textile Museum in Toronto, practiced Qi Gong through daily meditation and retreats, and explored the healing powers of acupuncture. In his summers free from school, he refurbished adult tricycles and tandem bikes and took joy in working on his 50-acre “farm” in Silver Lake.
Lou had a deep love for food, especially sweets, and never passed up a good dessert (or three). He was often seen riding a tandem bike with Betsy around East Aurora, cheering on his grandchildren at soccer and baseball games, or enjoying the morning paper at Elm Street Bakery.
Above all, Lou cherished his family. His legacy of love, laughter, and learning lives on in all who knew him.
He will be profoundly missed.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Elizabeth (nee Roberts) Rozanski; loving children James Rozanski, Michael (Michelle) Rozanski and Stephanie (Michael) Arnold; cherished grandchildren Ross, Sage and Brody Rozanski; dear sisters Irene (William) Schofield and the late Melanie (Bert) Humphrey. Arrangements by Wood Funeral Home. Those who loved Lou are invited to a Celebration of Life, Sunday May 18th from 2 - 5PM at Riley Street Station, 27 Riley St. East Aurora. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Parish, 520 Oakwood Ave. East Aurora on Monday May 19th at 11AM. In lieu of flowers please donate in Lou's memory to Immaculate Conception Parish at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZMSW/campaign/C-14ZNJ?access=tile_direct
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