It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John Kozak, who entered eternal rest on August 24, 2024, at the age of 24. 

John William Kozak, age 24, of West Hartford, passed away on August 24, 2024, in Santa Paula, CA, from an unintentional but sudden injury and a prolonged battle with a episodic serious mental illness. His life was characterized by love for others, a quest for purpose, and simplicity, all approached with extraordinary humility.

Born on February 22, 2000, in Hartford, John was the son of David John Kozak and Elizabeth Anna Appel. He was immensely proud of his younger brother, Collin Appel Kozak.

John's full name honors his grandfathers: John Kozak (husband to Helen) and William Appel (husband to Susan), who predeceased him. Grandpa Kozak and Grandma Appel supported him through high school basketball games and provided care during his sickness.

His godparents were aunt 'Cioci' Cindy Kozak Buckley and Tom Buckley. His uncles—Mark Kozak, Edmund Appel, and Bill Appel—were his male mentors, while his aunts—Nancy Kozak, Sarah Appel Gardner, Lisa Holmes Appel  and Suzanne Brown Appel—offered much comfort throughout his life and particularly at family reunions.

John was surrounded by beloved cousins, including Grant (Jessica) Kozak of NY, Hilary Willis (Malcolm) of CT, William and Gracelyn Gardner of KY, Nathan and Madeline Appel of NH, and Carson and Emmett Appel of ME. They provided him with models of a large family he hoped to have of his own.

Childhood friend groups, notably the Marshall , Aronow and Rubino families, played a significant role in his upbringing. If you are not mentioned by name, know that you are not forgotten or lack importance.

He is mourned by his spiritual directors, specifically Father Christopher Ford of West Hartford, Mr. Daniel Matthews, Waterbury, Father Carlton Jones of Manhattan, and Professor Nora Heimann of Washington, DC.

John held a certificate in Wilderness First Aid and completed the NOLS program in Wind River, Wyoming, in 2017. Voted "Most Outdoorsy," and winning the Trinity Book prize, he graduated from William Hall High School in 2018. He earned EMT certification during the COVID pandemic and studied at UConn, CCSU, Holy Apostles Seminary and College in Cromwell, CT, and most recently at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA.

An old soul before his time, John considered a vocation in the Roman Catholic Church ,  an adult convert to the faith in 2021.  Subsequently he explored a contemplative life in various abbeys and  most recently, he sought to build a foundation for a career as a Catholic mental health counselor.

Among other roles, John worked as a carpenter’s assistant and for International Refugee Immigration Services of CT where he helped an Afghan doctor find his first emergency medicine job. He also volunteered with the unhoused at the Father Michael McGivney Center in Waterbury and had a great appreciation for the natural world. Known for his attention to detail, following through on commitments, a devoted prayer life, thrift, and kindness, John exemplified these qualities throughout his life.

He expressed his love to us until his last moment .

Services - Calling Hours Wednesday September 4, 2024 9-10:45 prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 

St. Peter Claver Church - 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford ,CT . Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery , West Hartford 

In lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions can be sent via check to:

St Peter Claver Church

47 Pleasant St. 

W. Hartford, CT 06107

Check memo field: John Kozak Memorial Fund

OR

Scrupulous Anonymous (counselling for those like John who suffer from OCD/Scrupulosity)

via ScrupulousAnonymous.org -  click on Support the Ministry on left column of webpage

or by check to Liguori Publications, One Liguori Drive, Liguori, MO, 63057

memo field: In memory of John Kozak

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