Frank E. Kozel

Frank E. Kozel, age 88, passed away on November 24, 2023, at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Frank was born in Baltimore City, Maryland, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Ebner) Maxa. He was raised by his grandmother, Josephine Kozel, who instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness. Frank served in the U.S. Army and was a proud veteran. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church and was a faithful man of God. Frank will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness.  Frank married Janet Kozel, March 2, 1957 and had a daughter, Kimberly born May 22, 1963.  A tragic automobile accident on June 20, 1963 killed both Janet and Kimberly.  On August 15, 1964, Frank married Joan and became a proud father of Gregory Pessagno.  Over time they were blessed with two beautiful daughters Kristie and Lisa.  After Joan passed away, Frank married Carol on December 30, 2010.  Although he faced many challenges in his life, Frank never lost his faith and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Frank dedicated his career to the railway industry, working for Western MD, B&O, Chessie Systems and CSX Railroads for 42 years.  He retired in 1996 as a Yardmaster at CSX Transportation.  His legacy will live on through the memories of his loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by his son, Gregory John Pessagno and his wife Holly of Aberdeen, MD; daughters, Kristie Anne McComas and her husband Kevin of Fallston, MD and Lisa Marie Mangione and her husband Nick of Churchville, MD; step children, Monica Goeller, Mario Rossilli and Caesar Rossilli; brothers, Joseph N. Kozel of FL, and Louis Maxa of Pasadena, MD; sister, Betty Jane Hurline of FL; grandchildren, Nicholas Noel and his wife Lauren, Shawn Pessagno, Alyssa Robison and her husband Brad, Katey Miller, Marissa Mangione, Kristina and Megan McComas; and super special brand new great grandchildren, Theodore Wade Robison and Connor Francis Noel.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN  38101.