Raymond Joseph Kozak, Jr.

Raymond (Ray) J Kozak, Jr passed away suddenly and peacefully in his Perrysburg home on January 8, 2016. Born in Toledo on February 12, 1942, Ray grew up in the Polish Village. He attended St Francis de Sales High School. Among his accomplishments were: earning his Eagle Scout medal and competing in the state wrestling championships. Ray attended The University of Toledo, where he was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. As part of the fraternity, Ray created life-long friendships that he maintained until his passing. While at the University, Ray met the love of his life - Jeri (Heinl) Kozak. The two were married in January of 1968. A gifted artist and graphic designer, Ray was hired by Hickory Farms in 1968. He advanced through the company, serving as the Director of Marketing from 1976-79 before becoming Vice President of Research and Development in 1979. Ray was largely responsible for the look, image, and feel of the Hickory Farms brand. Following his entrepreneurial spirit, Ray left Hickory Farms in 1983 to start Le Petit Gourmet. This well-known and loved bakery-deli-caterer featured locations at Southwyck and Franklin Park Mall, as well as Portside. Ray's artistic talents helped Le Petit thrive; the restaurant often featured his unique hand-carved fruits and vegetables. Turning a radish into a rose, a honey dew into a swan, or monogramming a watermelon, Ray ensured Le Petit's offerings were the most talked about part of any party. An active member of the community, Ray was a member of the Maumee Rotary where he received the prestigious Paul Harris award. He was also an active member of the St. John's High School auction committee, and he was presented with the Magis Award for his service. Ray was forced to retire from Le Petit in 1999 when a brain aneurysm left him partially paralyzed. His wife Jeri cared for him on a daily basis. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren's athletic events and theatrical performances. He could often be found enjoying lunch at Le Petit Gourmet in Maumee. While the aneurysm may have limited him physically, it never impacted his sense of humor and spirit of life. His family feels the last 16 years were a blessing of bonus time with Ray. Ray always said life was, “Basically, sensational” or “Damn good.” Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr and Alvina (Zychowicz). He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jeri, 5 children: Chris (Ann), Mike (Lisa), Liz (Pete) Felaris, Sarah (Jason) Dzierwa and John (Jessica), 13 grandchildren: Emily, Jacob, Avery, Nick, Drew, Josh, Jason, Josie, Cameron, Jude, Owen, Jed and Campbell Rae, and sister Suzanne Flynn. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd on Tuesday, January 12 from 2-8 p.m. with a Scripture service and a “Sharing of Memories” at 7. The funeral ceremony will begin in the mortuary on Wednesday, January 13 at 10:15, followed by the mass at 11 a.m. at St. John XXIII Catholic Church in Perrysburg. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to St. John XXIII Catholic Community in Perrysburg, or Maumee Rotary. Please view Ray’s memorial video tribute and leave a condolence message at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Raymond Joseph Kozak, Jr.

February 12, 1943 - January 8, 2016