Chester "Stas" Kozlik

Chester “Stas” Kozlik, of Lavallette, NJ passed away alongside family on Sunday, August 4, 2024 a few weeks shy of his 89th birthday. He was born in Irvington, NJ to the late John and Katherine Kozlik. Stas raised his family in Kearny, NJ before retiring to Lavallette in 1996 where he became a staple on Vance Avenue.

Stas enlisted in the Navy upon graduation from high school, where he served as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the military, he took his electrical skills to Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) where he spent 42 years as a lineman, moving up the ranks in a job he truly loved. Stas wasn’t one for sitting still, even in his retirement, and could often be found in his workshop, at Lowe’s picking up supplies, or working on his latest project around his house. Not only would he work on projects on his own property, but would extend his skills to neighbors and family members both near and far. You needed something fixed or built, he could (and would) do it.

Besides projects, his greatest passion was spending time with his wife and family. He loved going on trips or cruises, but loved beach days and afternoon BBQs in Lavallette more than anything. He always had a story to tell and regaled both family and strangers alike with tales of his days in the Navy and PSE&G. But his favorite topic to talk about was how proud he was of each of his grand- and great-grandchildren.

Stas leaves behind his “sweetheart” of 44 years, Carolyn Kozlik of Lavallette, four children - Steven (Lisa), Michael (Alisa), Michael (Kelli), Michelle (Joseph). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and numerous close family members.

Stas left an imprint on people’s lives, both as the patriarch of a large, blended family, and as a valued friend to many.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet his family on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5:00 - 8:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River, NJ 08755. Services will be held on Thursday, August 8 at 10:00am at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church with interment immediately following at St. Joseph Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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