Obituary of Eugene E. Kozemko

Age 81, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center after a brief illness.  Gene was born in Elmira, a son of the late Metro and Helen Zeedock Kozemko.  He was also predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law Emil and Sophy Kozemko; brother-in-law Francis J. Smith.  Gene is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Gail Smith Kozemko; daughter Karen Steed of Elmira with children, Alexandra, Ryan (Tessa Joseph), Nicholas and Caitlin; daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Kevin McCarthy of Elmira with children, Lindsay, Justin and Patrick; son and daughter-in-law Eugene “Mickey” and Joan Kozemko of Lexington SC with children, Riley, Molly, Dallas and Ireland; sister-in-law Maureen Smith of Williamsport PA; former son-in-law Frank Steed of Elmira; several nieces, nephews and cousins; longtime good friends Joe Schiefen and Marty Chalk.

Gene was a 1960 graduate of Thomas Edison High School where he excelled in sports.  He earned 9 varsity letters including 4 in basketball, 4 in baseball and 1 in football.  He was named All Southern Tier Counties League in basketball in 1959 and 1960; 1960 Metro Elmira Basketball Player of the Year; 1960 Metro Elmira Athlete of the Year; Elmira Heights Hall of Fame 1997; and the Metro Elmira Hall of Fame.  He went on to attend college in Buffalo for a year before transferring to Mansfield University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and earned his Master’s Degree from Elmira College.  Gene had a 32-year career as a social studies/history teacher at Sayre High School.  Upon his retirement, both Gene and Gail started a long running new career as day care providers.   Gene was a lifetime member of the Elmira Elks Club.  Gene was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, the Larry Bird era Boston Celtics and a New York Giants Football fan.  A day never passed without Gene buying a New York State lottery ticket.  Most importantly Gene loved his family.  He never missed any of the grandchildren’s sporting events or other activities.   

Family and friends are invited to Gene’s Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Fulton Street, Elmira, on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic).  Committal prayers and interment will follow at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery.  Those wishing to, may remember Gene with a donation to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Ave., Elmira NY 14904.