Rutherford Hayes “Rudy” Cozad, Jr., 86, formerly of Cranberry Township, passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018 while residing at the Southwestern Veteran’s Center, Pittsburgh. He was born on August 26, 1931 in Rochester, son of the late Rutherford and Isabel (Whipple) Cozad. Known by friends and family as Rudy, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force, retiring with more than 20 years of service. He then went on to serve an additional 13 years with the U.S. Postal Service.
Rudy was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, Washington DC; and the Knights of Columbus and Men’s Club of St. Ferdinand’s Catholic Church, Cranberry, for over 40 years. Rudy was an accomplished archery marksman. He was an Alaskan State Archery Champion; and a three-time Senior Olympic Archery Medal Winner. Rudy was the former owner and operator of the C&M Archery Range.
In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years: Mary Ruth (Beerman) Cozad who passed on June 7, 2018; his sister and brother-in-law: Joyce and George Postupac; and his sister Betty Koprivnak.
Rudy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Michael (Helen) Cozad, Crafton, PA; Mark (Donna) Cozad, Cranberry, PA; four daughters and sons-in-law: Anita (Brian) Neff, Cape Coral, FL; Mary Jo (Carl) Follmer, Freedom, PA; Julia (Jeff) Jenkins, Erie, PA; Teresa (Chris) Carney, Cantonsville, MD; 13 grandchildren: Christopher, Erin, A.J., Molly, Kelly, Logan, Patrick, Maura, Haley, Kevin, Lauren, Declan and Nolan; four great grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law: Vicki (Jahn) Mentzer, Crafton and his brother-in-law: Paul Koprivnak.
Friends will be received on Saturday, June 23, 2018 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester ( adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum).
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m., on Monday, June 25, 2018 at St. Ferdinand’s Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry, PA. The public is respectfully asked to arrive directly at the Church on Monday morning.
Military Honors will be presented by members of the Beaver County Special Unit 10:45 a.m. on Monday at the Church. Private interment will follow in the John F. Kennedy Memorial Garden at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in loving memory of Rutherford H. Cozad, Jr. On line condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18