Nov 25, 2017

Ronald E. “Ron” Kosey, 77, of North Strabane Township, died Saturday, November 25, 2017, in Donnell House, Washington.

He was born August 24, 1940, in Washington, a son of Paul and Helen Kosey. He lived in North Strabane for the last 30 years.

He had only two jobs in his lifetime. In 1958, he graduated from Washington High School and the next day went to work for Judson Wylie as a concrete finisher. In 1965, he started to work for Washington Steel Houston Plant for the next 34 years.

He coached YMCA basketball for First Christian Church, youth football for First Ward School and boys baseball for Washington Boys Baseball. He was most proud of his players and the many championship teams he was associated with.

His greatest accomplishments were his gardens of 30 years living in North Strabane. Bushels of vegetables, especially tomatoes, were taken to friends, family and co-workers on a daily basis. He loved to share the bounties and boast about the first ripe tomato of the year.

On June 18, 1977, he married Trudy Reck, in First Christian Church, Washington.

He had two brothers, Paul (Rose) Kosey of Washington and Charles (Barbara) Kosey of Reno, Nev.; niece Debbie (Rick) Burnfield of Cape Coral, Fla.; and Paul Kosey of Washington, Charles Kosey and Amy (Larry) Cropo, both of Reno.

Never without his Pitt ballcap on, he considered Pitt football his greatest joy. Since 1978, he and his wife had season tickets and attended every home game. Once they retired, they would travel to most away games and bowl games. In August, he would take vacation and live on Pitt Johnstown Campus for fall practice and later South Side in Pittsburgh. It was not unusual for him to beat the coaches and players to practice. In 1996, Mr. and Mrs. Kosey were the Golden Panthers of the Year and were introduced at Three Rivers Stadium to all in attendance. For many years, he had football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and wrestling season tickets, spending as many as four nights a week at the university.

Over the 40 years he and Trudy were married, he had dogs Tiger, Troubles, Tallie H and now Tess that he loved. Each one was special to him in their own special way.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Hummell and Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Thomas W. Hummell, supervisor, Douglas M. Jones, director, where services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, with the Rev. Stephen Smythers officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorials can be made to First Christian Church, 615 East Beau Street, Washington, PA 15301.

Condolences may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.