The Reverend Ernest M. Kosa, 96, of Sparta, NJ passed away on July 31, 2018 peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 12, 1922 in Somerville, NJ, Ernest had lived in New Brunswick, NJ where his father was the pastor of the Magyar Reformed Church. He attended Bloomfield Academy and graduated from Bloomfield College in 1945 and Bloomfield Seminary in 1948, and later earned his MBA degree from Syracuse University. Ernest was hired as a pastor for two years in Cleveland, Ohio where he played the organ, directed the choir, took care of the youth groups and preached 2 services each Sunday, one in Hungarian and one in English. He was then called to be pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, NJ for two years. In October of 1952, Ernest entered the U.S. Army as a Chaplain where he served for 20 years. He served in Korea and Vietnam during the wars. Following his retirement, Ernest became the Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Administrator for Sussex County for 20 years and was involved with many county agencies, including the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice where he was Chair of the Professional Advisory Committee for over 10 years. He was also involved with the Sussex County Farm and Horse Show/NJ State Fair, SC Mental Health Board, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Newton Medical Center Foundation, and Easter Seals. Because of his long time commitment of 40 years to the County Building at the NJ State Fair, the County Building was named in his honor. He was also a member of the Vietnam Veterans Organization and the American Legion. Ernest is survived by Barbara his loving wife of 63 years, his daughter Karen Rinaldi, sons Mark Kosa, Brian Kosa and his wife Karen. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Kyle, Simone, Mitchell and Marissa. He is predeceased by his son in law John Rinaldi and his two sisters Lillian, Margaret and husband Imre. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ernest’s life on Sunday August, 5, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church of Sparta; 32 Main St., Sparta, NJ from 12 – 2PM and 3 – 5PM. A Funeral Service will be held at 5:30PM immediately following visitation. Interment will be held on Monday 12 noon at Northern NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ernest’s memory to the following organizations would be greatly appreciated; Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Ave., Newton, NJ 07860; Newton Medical Center Foundation, 175 High St., Newton, NJ 07860; or Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 327, PO Box 9, Stanhope, NJ 07874.
