Mathew J. Kozyak Jr., 82, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 9:25 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Lukes Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri.
He was born November 19, 1941, in Granite City, a son of the late Mathew J. and Rose (Pare) Kozyak Sr.
Mathew married the love of his life, Sandra Kay (Boring) Kozyak on June 15, 1963, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granite City and she survives.
He was a meat cutter and manager along side his family at Kozyak Meat Market in Granite City throughout his life. He later became a co-owner of Save A Lot grocery store in Granite City where he also served as manager until his retirement in 2009. He was a faithful member of the First United Presbyterian Church in Granite City for 32 years, where he served as a deacon and elder and enjoyed devoting much time to organizing, cooking and serving the Men’s Breakfast group. He was also a member of the Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 and the Meat Cutters Union. He was a natural athlete who enjoyed many years of bowling, playing softball, racquetball and water skiing. He was known for always having a joke for anyone who would listen, never knew a stranger and was known by all customers as Jr. He also was known as a great cook, grilled the best steaks and could play Solitaire like no other. He had a love for animals and cherished his granddogs and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his wife, children and grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Rebecca and Ed Cowley of Maryville and Melissa and Philip Sholl of Edwardsville; four grandsons, Ian and Alexis Cowley, Jacob Cowley, Spencer Sholl, his chosen granddaughter, Lori Lynn, and Trent Sholl; a sister-in-law, Jana (Phillip Eads) Boring of Granite City; lifelong friends, Jerry and Carole Ritchie of Glen Carbon; special nieces and nephews; other extended family and many friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Ann Kozyak and his siblings who helped raise him, Lillian (Val) Burgess and William (Marilynn) Kozyak.
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be at the First United Presbyterian Church, 2160 Delmar Avenue in Granite City on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 4 until 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. until time of a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jennifer Warren-Houser officiating.
A private family burial will be at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon at a later time.
Memorials may be made to the First United Presbyterian Church, Granite City APA or to the American Cancer Society.
