Charles Michael Kosich Jr.

Chuck was born May 10, 1941, in Canton, Ohio to Charles and Leona (Ciccone) Kosich. Chuck graduated from Canton McKinley High School in 1959 and received his bachelor’s degree from Malone College and his MBA from Baldwin Wallace University. He was an advertising executive with Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio and later with Texaco in Houston. As Executive Vice President of Advertising and Sales Promotion, he was instrumental in bringing motorsport racing to Texaco. He worked closely with Robert Yates Racing in NASCAR and Newman/Haas Racing in IndyCar. After retiring from Texaco, he founded CMK Marketing where he continued his passion for racing by managing and promoting IndyCar races in Houston, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Baltimore, to name a few.

Chuck was passionate about boating and music. He spent many years at Salt Fork, Cedar Point, South Shore Harbour Resort, and Lake Conroe. His love of being on the water was apparent in his enthusiasm for cruising. Chuck and Linda embarked on more than 40 cruises traveling the world. Musically, he was an accomplished saxophonist, and played the clarinet, flute, and piano. Retirement also brought the rediscovery of model building. Chuck spent endless hours building model boats to the amazement of his family.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his loving wife Linda of 45 years; his children, son Michael Kosich (Athena), son Todd Kosich (Alvaro), daughter Kim Illanne (Jared), and son Kris Kosich (Brooke); grandchildren Tyler Kosich (Clare), Alex Kosich (Carly), Charlie Illanne, Kellie Illanne, and Kennedy Kosich; great-grandchildren Reese, Miles, Brooks and Otto; sister Donna Livery and husband Jim; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Nothing meant more to Chuck than his family, and to use a phrase that he so loved…Chuck/Dad/Grandpa you were the all-timer, you’ll be incredibly missed. The Kosich family would like to give a special thanks to the medical staff at Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center Houston who took great care of him in his final days. A visitation will be held at 5:00 PM Monday April 20, 2026 at Kingwood Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at St. Martha Catholic Church (chapel).