Obituary of August Ronald Kozel

August Ronald “Ron” Kozel III – a vibrant, loyal and beloved husband, father, brother and friend – passed unexpectedly and too soon in the early hours of Christmas Eve while on vacation with his family in Big Sky, Mont. He was 64. Central to Ron’s life were his family, especially his wife and daughter. He met Patricia Marie Conlon. The two married on Nov. 23, 1974 in Rochester, N.Y. and soon after settled on Conesus Lake, in Conesus N.Y. On July 19, 1981, the couple welcomed their daughter, Marissa Patrice Kozel, to the world. Ron was born Aug. 14, 1948 to August and Vera (nee Jurkas) Kozel in Manila, Philippines. Originally from the Ithaca, N.Y. area, the senior August Kozel’s work kept the family on the move, which is why Ron was born abroad. In his teen years, Ron went to James Monroe High School in downtown Rochester, where he graduated from in 1966, and went on to receive an associate’s degree from Monroe Community College. Ron enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in combat aboard the USS America during the Vietnam War. Roles as a radarman and electronic warfare watch supervisor intrigued Ron, and he was lauded for the leadership he brought to wartime communications and engineering tasks. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with several medals and commendations. Ron established his career in the Rochester security industry, specializing in industrial security, engineering, sales and management. In the early ‘80s Ron co-established Maritime Security Systems. He continued to expand his client reach in and around Rochester, earning numerous state and national certifications along the way. Business buyouts of Maritime and subsequent companies brought Ron to his most recent management role at General Security Inc. Company names changed, but clients followed Ron, often for decades, including notable Rochester-area grocery chains, universities and Fortune 500 companies. In his free time, Ron reveled in days on the Conesus Lake on the boat and WaveRunner. He was also an avid outdoorsman and NRA member, and he particularly enjoyed trips to hunt bear in Canada and moose in Maine. Ron and Pat also enjoyed touring the wineries of the Finger Lakes and Genesee Region. Above all, however, the loyal Ron was dedicated to those closest to him. Family laughed along as he’d recall notorious family stories – like his East Coast WaveRunner trip gone astray – which he’d fill out with plenty of his spot-on impressions and elbow nudges. At celebrations in New York or gatherings in upper Michigan, Ron was quick to handle a bonfire, turn meat on the grill or take the boat captain’s chair. His smart, straightforward exterior was quick to reveal a witty and caring side around those whom he loved. And that lucky group loves him in return, now and forever. Ron is survived by Pat, his wife of 38 years, and Marissa (James Hensley) Kozel, of Helena, Mont. In addition, he is survived by his sisters: Pamela (Charles) Mayes, Shelia (Richard) Temkow, Leslie (Steven) Bjorvik and Shelley (Barry) O’Brien, his cousin, James (Linda) Moravec; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, August and Vera. Family and friends may call on MONDAY from 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Miller Funeral Homes, Inc. (3325 Winton Road South). Click Here For A Map Ron's Memorial Service will be celebrated on MONDAY at 4:30 PM in the Interfaith Chapel of the funeral home. Interment, private. Home Conesus, New York Birthplace Manila, Philippines