Stanley J. Kozlowski, Jr., age 82, a recent resident of Glen Ellyn, IL (for the last 3 and a half years) and previous resident of Shelton, CT, (for the majority of his life), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Christmas evening, December 25, 2024.
Stanley, (or “Sonny”, as his family called him), was born on November 6, 1942 in Derby, CT, son of the late Stanley Sr. & Mary Kozlowski. He attended Kanty Prep School in Erie, PA. He served in the Army as a radio operator during the Vietnam War, and received honors for his service. When he returned home he married the love of his life, Patricia (nee Marciniak), and the two were married for over 50 years until her death in February 2017.
Stan worked as a supermarket manager for many years, and was highly sought after for his knowledge, expertise and ability to “fix” any store with operational issues. He was very active in his church (St. Lawrence) and an active member of the Knights of Columbus, from whom he attained the Fourth Degree.
Stanley loved working outdoors in the yard, and could often be found mowing the lawn, tending a vegetable garden, maintaining the swimming pool in the backyard, grilling out for friends and family, and washing and waxing his car. He loved animals of all kinds, and rescued many dogs over the years. One old picture of him in the Army even shows him with a pet monkey. He had many stories and fatherly advice for his children, with “dad-isms” such as the saying that “even a blind squirrel can find a nut once in a while!”
He had a great sense of humor, and loved playing games such as Ms. Pacman, scrabble, Gin Rummy and “Angry Birds”. He was hard working, dedicated to his family, led a life of service, and made friends everywhere he went. Most recently he made a host of friends at ESSE Senior Day Program, where he enjoyed activities of all kinds. He was a longtime fan of the Connecticut Huskies Women’s Basketball team, and he never missed a game.
Stanley was predeceased by his wife, “Patty”, his younger sister, Nancy, and his older sister, Barbara. He is the beloved father of Douglas Kozlowski and wife Rachael, and Chris Kozlowski and wife Rachel, and grandchildren Amelia and Ruth. He is also survived by his sister, Jean Lyman and her husband Michael, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of sharing & prayers at 10:00 a.m. at Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Rd. Shelton. His funeral will leave the funeral home at 10:30 am for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am in St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 505 Shelton Ave. Shelton. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Derby, and a reception to follow.
Memorial gifts may be directed to ESSE Adult Day Care Center of Glen Ellyn, (which he happily attended for the last 3 years), 41 N. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (his wife’s favorite charity).
