Franchino "Frank" L. Cozza

Franchino "Frank" Leonardo Cozza, 87, of Steubenville, passed away suddenly Thursday night, January 14, 2021, at Trinity Medical Center West.

Frank was born November 9, 1933, in Rogliano, Cosenza, Italy, a son of the late Antonio (Tony) Cozza and Teresa Spadafora.  As a young boy in Italy during World War II, he hid in the mountains to avoid Nazi occupation of his town and the Allied raids that followed.   Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Frank immigrated to the US alone in 1949 at age 15, to pursue the American dream and to re-unite with his father and brother in Steubenville.

He immediately began working at a bakery and was then employed for 35 years as a maintenance man at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. in the 80” Mill, where both his father and brother worked.

In his youth, Frank enjoyed taking his family to Follansbee Pool and the surrounding lakes for picnics and vacationing in Wildwood, NJ.  In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Italy, watching sports, doing yard work, taking long walks, and spending time with his family and friends.   Frank instilled the values of hard work and education in his children.  

He married the former Teresa Marie Conforti in November 1962 at San Pietro Cathedral in Rogliano (CS), Italy and honeymooned in Naples, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

He is survived by his wife, three sons:  Anthony (Cindy) Cozza of Kimball, MI, Mario (Kelli) Cozza of Indian Land, SC, and Piero “Pete” (Kristin) Cozza of Steubenville, five grandchildren:  Andrew (Ashley) Tower of MI, Christopher and Marisa Cozza of MI, Giovanna and Liliana Cozza of Steubenville, and one great-grandchild Adalynn Tower of MI, born just a few days before his death.  

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Gabriele Cozza of Steubenville and one sister, Maria Cozza of Italy.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 4-7 pm at the Mosti Funeral Home, Sunset Chapel, 4435 Sunset Blvd., Steubenville. A funeral liturgy with Mass will be held Saturday at 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Msgr. Gerald Calovini will celebrate. Entombment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 2608 Hollywood Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com