Anthony M. Kozar,Sr.

Anthony Michael Kozar, Sr., 78, of Massillon, passed away at his home on March 20, 2024. He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 29, 1945, to the late Albert and Rose Maria (Margida) Kozar.

He was a graduate of Hoban High School in Akron and furthered his education at Akron University where he received his Bachelor of Music degree.

Anthony’s greatest passion in life was music. He started his professional music career in high school. He eventually played jazz accordion and keyboards regularly in multiple local bands over the years including, the Jack Halkides Big Band, Bob and The Hill Toppers, The Bob Hill Quartet and the Bob Hill Orchestra.

He combined his love of music with education. Anthony was an instrumental and vocal music teacher for Steubenville elementary schools, as well as the Fairless School District for 27 years. His legacy of music appreciation will live on with all the students he taught.

Anthony was also an aficionado of the history of watches and an avid car enthusiast.

Aside from his love of music, Anthony was a devout Catholic, attending daily masses, ushering at St. Mary’s and St. Joe’s and enjoyed reading devotionals, especially of the saints.

Anthony will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 54 years, Kathleen (Krosse) Kozar; his sons, Albert (Christina) and Anthony (Elizabeth); his daughters Raffaela Kozar and Mary (Bradley) Rainosek; 4 grandchildren who were the light of his life, Zachary, Audrey, Timothy, and Sean; sister Janice (Scott) King; as well as one niece, two nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, Anthony was preceded in death by his infant brother, Albert John.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 25th at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Massillon.

The family will receive friends on Monday at Paquelet Funeral Home from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Anthony will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Program at Fairless Local Schools, 11885 Navarre Rd. SW, Navarre, Ohio, 44662.