Leon J. Kozar 1934-2025

Leon was born Sept. 3, 1934, in Erie, Pa. He was the only child of John and Helen Kozar. His proximity to Lake Erie heavily influenced his early years. The Great Lake instilled a lifelong love of the water. He spent his summers on the beaches of Presque Isle and his winters ice-skating on the lake.

He was a proud graduate of Erie Cathedral Preparatory School, Class of 1952. He maintained a lifelong friendship with classmate Dick Hogan and his wife, Judy, until his final days.

Leon enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduation in 1953 and served for three years. It was his greatest honor. He was awarded the National Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his military service, he was en route to California when he stopped to work with his uncle in Youngstown. He would remain there after meeting a widowed waitress at her family’s small restaurant, Scarsella’s. He and Teresa Pettorelli fell in love and were married Oct. 25, 1965. They had two sons, John L. Kozar and Joseph L. Kozar, and were together for 59 years until Teresa’s passing in February 2025.

Leon was a true jack-of-all-trades. A certified electrician and HVAC tech, he was the family’s go-to man when something needed repairs. He considered himself a railroad man and loved locomotives. He retired from the P&LE Railroad as an electrician after more than 20 years of service.

Leon basked in the love of his children and grandchildren. He was a dog lover and would reminisce about his boyhood dog, Jiggs, and Stagger Lee, his best friend in his golden years.

Anyone who knew him can attest that he was a true comedian and loved laughter more than anything. Left to cherish his memory are his two sons, John (Melissa) Kozar and Joseph (Toni) Kozar; his stepdaughter, Connie (Dale) Kushma; 11 grandchildren, Ave’ Kozar, Sophia Kozar, John-Morgan Kozar, Christopher Kozar, Max Kozar, Jessica Kozar, Gianna Kozar, Joseph Kozar, Dale Kushma Jr., Sean (Stephanie) Kushma and Maureen (Robert) LaCivita; and two great-grandchildren, Maria and Micheal LaCivita. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews from Youngstown and cousins from Erie, Pa.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa; his parents, John and Helen Kozar; his stepfather, Lawrence Amy; and his stepson from Teresa’s first marriage, Louis Pettorelli.

Family and friends may pay their respects 4 to 5:50 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman, where a funeral service will take place at 6 p.m. with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L, V.G. as celebrant.

Leon will be put to rest 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, Pa.

The family requests that any material contributions be made to Leon’s favorite charity at Boystown.org.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Leon’s family.

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