William Francis Kossler, 68, of Gloucester, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014.
William was a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was very involved with his grandchildren and always made time for family and friends. William was a “fixer” and a builder and would always take time to help out without being asked.
He was an active member of the American Legion Post 75. He served as Adjutant and was actively involved in growing the high school oratorical program in Gloucester. He also was a huge supporter of the Boys and Girls state program. William was an active volunteer at both Bethel Elementary School and Peasley Middle School. He served in the U.S. Navy for 11 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel Catherine Farland and Louis Francis Kossler; siblings, Nancy Kossler, Janet Minehart, Mabel “Bootsy” Downs, Elizabeth Haddix, Robert Kossler, Barbara Jean Thorne-Mohl, George Kossler; and grandson, Landen Pierce Brownley.
He is survived by his wife, Judith Cater Kossler; daughters, Mary Kossler Dorsey and her husband Dean, and Cindy Kossler Brownley and her husband Larry; grandchildren, Noah Dorsey, Brenden Brownley, Aubree Dorsey, and Colleen Brownley; siblings, Dorothy Staier, Louis Kossler and his wife Carol, James Kossler and his wife Anne, Linda Wooley and her husband Herbert, Margaret “Peggy” Withrow, Ellen Sue Petri and her husband Edward, Diane Johnson and her husband Richard, and Patricia Aeschbacher, as well as a multitude of nieces and nephews.
The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, from 3-4:30 p.m., with a memorial service starting at 4:30. Following the service, everyone was invited to the American Legion Post 75, 6139 George Washington Memorial Highway, Gloucester from 6:30-8:30 for a time of fellowship.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund or to the Educational Funds of Peasley Middle School or Bethel Elementary School.
Andrews Funeral Home, Gloucester, was in charge of arrangements.