| Date of Birth | March 15, 1923 |
| Passed Away | April 1, 2009 |
| Place of Residence | Hornell |
| Home State | NY |
| Service Date | April 4, 2009 |
| Service Time | 11:00 AM |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church |
| Interment Location | St. Mary's Cemetery |
JOHN K. “JACK” KOSKIE
HORNELL-John K. “Jack” Koskie, 86, of Hornell passed away at the Elder Care Home in Hornell on Wednesday evening (April 1, 2009), 12 years to the day of his loving wife, Julia’s passing.
Born in on March 15, 1923, he was the son of the late Karl and Pearl Nephew Koskie. On April 15, 1950 he was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Julia Nazar, who predeceased him on April 1, 1997 after 47 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his son John Michael Koskie in 1962 and his daughter-in-law, Gloria Koskie in 2007.
A graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1941, Jack attended Alfred University and majored in English. From 1944 to 1946 he served with the U.S. Army and was stationed in San Francisco where he served as an adjutant to a Colonel. Upon his discharge from the Army in 1946 he entered the Air Force Reserves and served with them for 25 years.
In 1946 he returned from World War II to Hornell where he joined his late uncle, Nick Koskie and his father, Karl Koskie in the operation of the family business, the Koskie Music Store. Along with his father he purchased the business from his uncle in 1963 and continued operating it until 1985.
After his retirement from the family business he became the Director of Volunteers at St. James Mercy Hospital and volunteered at the information desk at the hospital for nearly 30 years.
When he was younger Jack enjoyed sailing on Loon Lake, working on cars and playing the piano. Throughout his life he played the piano with Don Jones’ orchestra and also played with various musicians throughout the area and was known to many.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church, a member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440, the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250, the Hornell Moose Lodge No. 210, the Hornell Elks Lodge No. 364 and for many years he also served as a cub scout master.
His family includes his daughter, Pam (Roy) Forshee of Canisteo; his two sons, William Koskie of Hornell and Gregory (Linda) Koskie of Rochester; his seven granddaughters, Breille (Michael) Kelleher of Hornell, Tara Koskie (Andrew Phelps) of Dansville, Kari (Derek) Jersey of Portland, OR., Michelle (David) Hulse of Greenwood, Kirsten, Tasha and Leah Koskie all of Rochester; his three great-grandchildren, Trevor Hulse, Collin Moretti and Julia Kelleher; also his sister-in-law, Catherine Nazar of Hornell.
Jack was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be truly missed. Love you Grandpa.
Calling hours are from 3-7 p.m. today at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell. Friends are invited to meet his family at St. Ann’s Church where a Mass of Christian Burial, concluding with military honors, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Town of Fremont, next to his beloved wife, Julia.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830 or to the American Heart Assoc.., PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
We will miss you, Grandpa, you were the best grandpa we could ever ask for. Love you!
Dear Pam and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have such fond memories of him and your mother (now 35 years ago!)when I used to come to your house to visit. I loved going to his store to play records, and really enjoyed hearing him play the piano – such a neat guy! I know he will be sorely missed by your wonderful family. You have my prayers and sympathy.
Love,
Karen (Davis-Bernard)
To Billie, Tara and Kari–We were so sorry to learn of your Dad/Grandpa’s passing. We have fond memories of visiting with him at the Moose Club, and that twinkle in his eye! Wish we could be there with you at this sad time. May your memories of him comfort you all.
Dear Pam, Bill & Family –
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Your dad was an amazing gentleman and I know you will all miss him very much. Be comforted that your dedication to him while he was here was a sight to behold. I’ve known your dad almost all my life and he was always kind and compassionate….a true gentleman. He’s at peace now with your mom…how much more could we hope for. Take care and be strong in your faith.
To all those who Jack left behind, I apologize for being so late to share this rememberance, but maybe it will help to know that Jack is still being remembered. I just learned of your loss as I was researching my family tree. I am Jack’s first cousin, once removed, and regret not knowing him, although we may have met once when I visited Hornell as a child to see my grandmother, Sophie, who was his Aunt (his father Karl’s sister). Our families have obviously drifted apart, but I wish you all well, and would be happy to share family information with any of you who might be interested. Feel free to contact me at MHolt90546@aol.com.