He was born in Avella, PA on Dec. 11, 1927 to the late Peter and Frances (Arnold) Kozel. After completing high school, Joe joined the US Navy serving during WWII. After his Honorable Discharge, Joe met the love of his life, Assunta (D’Elia). They were married on Jan. 8, 1949 at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Norwich. She survives him.
Joe became a civilian employee for the Dept. of Defense at the Supervisory of Shipbuilding, working at the Electric Boat location until his retirement. There, he received an award for his work on assisting ships during and after sea trials. When not working, Joe enjoyed carrying on his avid athletic lifestyle playing softball, volleyball and golfing. He enjoyed family time, especially time spent with his grandson Sasha.
He is survived by his wife, Assunta, his daughters; Susan and Geralyn, his son-in-law Michael Frishman, his grandson, Sasha Frishman and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 from noon to 1:30pm at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich with a Memorial Service commencing at 1:30pm. Burial with Military Honors will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich.
Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 322 8th Ave 7th Flr., NY NY 10001, or calling 1-866-232-8484 or online at www.alzfdn.org
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.churchandallen.com
