Frank O. Kozel

July 30, 1928 - August 31, 2015

Frank O. Kozel, 87, of Ghent, passed away Monday, August 31, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born July 30, 1928 in Hebron, CT, he was the son of the late Frank and Eva (Misovich) Kozel. He was a graduate of Hudson High School, where he was active in sports, and Hudson Valley Community College with an electrical degree. After graduating from college he went to work for the family business, The Old Post Road Tavern, now known as Kozel’s Restaurant. He served in the US Navy on the carrier USS Valley Forge. He was a member of Emanuel St. John's Church in Hudson, the West Ghent Volunteer Fire Co., the Ghent Sportsmen Club, the Hudson Elks 787, the Hudson American Legion, and the Cornell Co-Operative Extension. In addition, he was a founding member of the Columbia County Liquor Dealer’s Association where he served as president. He loved to garden and share the “Vegetables of his Labor” with his family and friends. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He also loved to travel, spend time with his friends and customers at his restaurant, and drink Genesse Light while watching his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. On January 21, 1951, he married Elsie Johnson in Germantown. They were married for 64 years. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elsie; five devoted children, Linda (Brian) O'Reilly of Hudson, Edward "Gus" (Helen) Kozel of Ghent, Joanne (Marty) Feinberg of Huntington, L.I., David (Ellen) Kozel of Westport, CT, and Suzanne (Jim) Rajczi of Staatsburg, NY; seven loving grandchildren, Heidi, Nikolas, Randi, Jordana, Joshua, Geoffrey, and Jason, two great-grandchildren Amya and Avery, his sister, Patricia Cebry of Dallas, TX., and his beloved dog, Molly. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marian Kozel, and his brother, Edward Kozel. Calling hours are 4:00 to 8:00 pm Wednesday at the Bates & Anderson - Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 11:00 am Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Viewmont Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Columbia Greene Humane Society or a charity of choice.