Frank J. Koczwara

Poland - Frank J. Koczwara, 81 of Poland, died Saturday, November 1, 2008 at his residence with his family at his side, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Koczwara was born Friday, January 7, 1927 in Youngstown, a son of the Florian and Agnes Kopascinski Koczwara. He was a graduate of South High School, Youngstown State University and worked as a Draftsman for 32 years for US Steel prior to his retirement in1980. Mr. Koczwara was a WWII Army Veteran, he was stationed in Italy serving in the Military Police. He was a member of St. Nicholas Church, past president of local union at US Steel, a member of the Mahoning Sportsman Association. Mr. Koczwara was an avid fisherman, he loved fishing in Lake Milton, Crystal Lake and Kipawa Reserve in Québec Canada, he also loved gardening, and was an avid YSU football fan. Mr. Koczwara is survived and loved by his wife of 52 years, the former Ann Marie Freisen whom he married September 29, 1956; five children, John Koczwara of Poland, OH, Christy Koczwara of Powell OH, Debbie (Mike) Sorice of Canfield, Stephen Koczwara of Columbus, Ken (Anna) Koczwara of Louisville OH, seven grandchildren, Grazia Sorice, Nichole Sorice, Zachary Koczwara, Matthew Koczwara, Nick Koczwara, Dylan Koczwara, Josh Koczwara, one sister, Bernice Koczwara of Boardman, and his loyal friend, and dog, Buckeye. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by 6 brothers Mike, Joe, Tony, Stanley, Tom, John Koczwara, 3 sisters Stephany, Mary and Julie Koczwara. Funeral services will be held at St. Nicholas Church, Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Friends will be received 5-8 P.M., Tuesday, November 4 at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland, where prayer services will be held Wednesday at 9:30 am. Contributions may be made in Mr. Koczwara's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512 or the American Diabetes Association,4500 Rockside Road, Suite 440, Independence, OH 44131. Condolences may be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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