Edward Kozikowski

Edward A Kozikowski, 84, passed away peacefully at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, MA on Friday, May 28, 2010, with his family by his side. A lifelong resident of Monson, MA, he was born to the late Andrew and Bridget (Murach) Kozikowski. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Delia Kozikowski and Emily Nietupski, a niece, Janice Kuchinsky, and nephew, John Nietupski. He graduated from Monson High School in 1944 during which time he received the Thaddeus Burgiel Medal award as "gentleman and scholar." He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, Cum Laude, from Western New England College in 1971 where he was also recognized as the Louis T. Cormier Memorial Scholarship Award recipient for excellence in accounting. In 1948, he began work as an accountant for the C.F. Church Company in Monson. He remained there until 1953, at which time he began his long and successful career at the Monson Savings Bank. Starting as a teller, he was quickly promoted to Assistant Treasurer in 1960. In 1963, subsequent to attending the American Institute of Banking in Springfield, MA, and the Supervisory School on Cape Cod, he rose to the position of Assistant Vice-President and then Executive Vice-President. He became President of Monson Savings Bank in 1981 and he remained in that office until his retirement in 1988. An avid woodworker, he also enjoyed gardening and his time spent on Cape Cod. A humble man and devout Catholic, he was among the first group of Eucharistic Ministers to be installed at St. Patrick's Church in Monson, a position in which he served for many years. He was a former member of the American Legion Post 241 in Monson, where he served as the State's youngest commander. In addition, he was a former member of the Monson Polish American Citizen's Club, Monson Free Library Association, and the Treasurer of the Monson Woodcarver's Club. A devoted husband and loving and caring father, the one thing he enjoyed the most in his life was his family. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Alice (Cantwell), and his three children, Andy Kozikowski and his wife Carrie of Monson; Pam Norton, her husband Mike, and their children Caitlin and Brittany of Monson; Michael Kozikowski, his wife Pamela and their children Christopher and Stephanie of Williston, VT, three nephews, Dr. Stanley E. North of Leesburg, FL, Dr. Stanley J. Kozikowski of Franklin, MA, and Donald Murach of Springfield, MA; a niece, Phyllis Hout of Agawam, MA, and several grand-nieces. He also leaves behind his step-grandchildren, Lisa, Kim, and Bruce and step-great-grandchildren, Carlie, Aiden, and Quaid. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 22 Green Street, Monson, at 10 am, Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Calling hours will be held at the Lombard Funeral Home, 3 Bridge Street, Monson, on Tuesday, from 4-6 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick's Church Restoration Fund in Monson.