Leonard John Kozel Sr.

Leonard Kozel Sr., passed away suddenly at his home this October. He was born in Pennsylvania, in June 1939, and grew up in Throop, Pennsylvania. He was husband to Audrey Kozel and father to Leonard Kozel Jr., of Fort Myers; Linda Kozel Greenhorn of Fort Myers; and Anne Kozel Edwards of Atlanta.

Len was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a retired diesel mechanic; a retired Army Reservist; an auto expert; and a fascinating storyteller. He was above all a hardworking family man who spent his life providing for his children.

He met the love of his life and best friend, Audrey, sixty-two years ago in Hoboken, New Jersey, while Len was still serving in the Army Reserves. He and Audrey married in 1965 and soon started a family in New Jersey. Looking for a year-round warm climate, they relocated to Fort Myers, Fla., in 1978, and never looked back.

Growing up Len’s father owned a trucking company and that’s where Len became a career mechanic. He worked for Kelly Tractor, Fenwick Company, and Caterpillar for many years repairing engines, before retiring in 2001. Throughout his retirement, he never forgot the many friends and close relationships he formed on the job, speaking fondly of their adventures and triumphs together over the decades.

While Len had his serious side, throughout his life remained a kid at heart. He loved to whistle and sing songs, especially “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral.” He could have a deep conversation about politics, but he also watched shows like “Ridiculousness” and “Oak Island.” He loved that he just became a great-grandfather.

His huge heart extended beyond his family, sometimes to complete strangers. He once saw a man who appeared to be homeless standing in a grocery store, staring at a snack he seemed to want. Len dropped a $20 bill on the ground, nudged the man, and said, “You dropped something.” Asked later why he didn’t just hand the man the $20, Len said, “Never let a man lose his pride.”

Len was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Kozel and mother, Helen Kozel, brother, Edward Kozel and nephew Michael Kozel.

Other survivors include his wife Audrey Kozel, sister Helen Williams, cousins Diane Byrne, Frank Carpenetti, sister in-law Jean Kozel, grandchildren Rebecca Hampson, Charles Kozel, William Kozel, Tyler Greenhorn and great-granddaughter Madelyn Hampson and many nieces and nephew as well as son-in-law John Edwards Jr., and grandson-in-law Chris Hampson.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held Dec. 1, 2023, at St. John 23rd Parish at 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912 for a 10:00 a.m. visitation and a 10:30 a.m. mass. Flowers are welcome to be delivered to the church before 10:00 a.m. at 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912.