John Paul Kozdeba

SPARTA- John Paul Kozdeba peacefully went home to the Lord on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at the home of his son Michael Kozdeba. He was 92. John was born in Wallington, NJ to the late Joseph and Maria (Waycra) Kozdeba. He had many accomplishments during his lifetime.

John attended Houses Corner School House from kindergarten through 8th grade, before attending Newton High School, where he became an established wrestler. In 1941 John was the NJ State AAU Champion, in 1942 NJSIAA champion and in 1942 National AAU 2nd place finisher. After graduation, he enlisted in the US. Army Air Corp, and served his country proudly from 1942-1945, flying missions as a top turret gunner on B-17 aircraft. He was shot down over enemy country where the Danish helped him escape to Sweden. He was awarded the US Air Force medal. Upon returning home he went back to working the family farm, and was owner of Kozdeba Brothers, and co-owner of Kozdeba & Son LLC (1950-2010). In 2012 John was inducted into the Sussex County Hall of Fame.

Predeceasing John are his parents, his wife of 50 years, Juanita (Forgash) Kozdeba, a brother, Matthew, his sisters, Genevieve and Emily Williams, and brother in law, Gerald Williams. He is survived by two daughters; Rose Maki of Sarasota, Fl., and Kathleen and husband Keith Peterson of Tampa, Fl. A son, Michael Kozdeba and wife Jeanie (McGuire) of Sparta, and six grandchildren, Joseph (Kelly) McNulty, Taylor and Shayne Kozdeba, Christine (Eric) Rondeau, John McCoy and Michael Maki. One, great-grandson Griffin Rondeau. Three nieces, Carol McFillen, Joni and Cynthia Kozdeba, and three nephews, Joseph, Gerald, and Doug Williams.

Family and friends are invited Friday 2~4 7~9 to Goble Funeral Home 22 Main Street Sparta, NJ. A Saturday 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Immaculate Conception Church, Franklin followed by interment in North Hardyston Cemetery. Memorial contributions in John’s name are being accepted to Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation 350 Sparta Avenue Bldg. B, Ste. 2 Sparta, NJ 07871 or Deborah Hospital Foundation 212 Trenton Rd Browns Mills, NJ 08015.