Sandor Kozma

Herkimer - Sandor Kozma 83, known as John to many, a long time Herkimer resident, went to be with the Lord peacefully on Sunday, January 16, 2022.

 He was born January 24, 1938, in Dunaszeg, Hungary, in the Győr-Moson-Sopron megye region, the son of the late Sandor and Ann (Bobos) Kozma and was educated in youth in his native country. His family endured WWII and in December 1956, young Sandor along with other dear close ones who also settled in and around New York and New Jersey were part of a historical chapter as they travelled to America on the USS General W.G. Haan (AP-158) ship.  Previously, the ship had conducted “shakedown training” out of San Diego until after the surrender of Japan. It was during 1956 when the Haan resumed duty as a refugee transport and steaming from New York to Bremerhaven, Germany, she embarked political refugees resulting from the Hungarian Revolution arriving in New York around New Year’s Day.   

 Sandor met Faith nee Wright while both working at Mohawk Data Sciences (MDS) and were married.  They would travel summers camping, enjoying the great fishing and outdoors in the region of Lac de la Mer Bleue in Cayamant, Quebec.  An avid fisherman, he taught his children how to bait a hook, catch fish and steer a motor- boat.  His true love Faith went to be with the Lord on September 30, 1991.    

 Through the years, being in the outdoors and appreciating God’s creation was an enduring theme.  He loved his dogs and cats. Walking in the woods, hunting, snow shoeing, ice or fly fishing, kayaking or canoeing he felt most at home in nature.  A favorite place just relaxing was Erie Canal Lock 17, reading the paper, chatting or bringing the dogs for some fresh air.  These moments brought him great joy, but especially sharing them with others.  He learned how to can and pickle farm fresh vegetables from the family garden, enjoying travelling to places like Colorado and Nova Scotia with friends to fish and hunt and stocking the waters in Upstate New York volunteering with others to support these efforts.  Dad was also a big supporter of the Fish and Game Club, enjoying raffling efforts to support their great contribution to enjoy and appreciate these timeless treasures.  He glowed when he witnessed the passing down of traditions in his children and grandchildren.  He was also fond of a good turkey contest and loved to cook a great stew or traditional Hungarian Paprikash.         

 A proud Remington man, employed for many years as a machinist for Remington Arms in Ilion, NY he would often invite others to visit the Museum and sharing the rich history.  He was equally a proud member of the NRA.  He enjoyed westerns and other classic films, a good story, joke and listening to Hungarian violin music.  He was quite close with the Pusztai families and fond of visiting with his friends at Applebee's and the Waterfront Grill along with Click’s cheesecakes. 

 Foremost, he was a loving and caring father, who accepted Jesus, grandfather “Pop” and affectionately called “Moose,” he shall be dearly missed, though one day we will rejoice together again. Isaiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

 And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” God gave Isaiah the picture of a huge tree that is chopped down, so that only the stump remains; but from this stump springs new life. 

 Survivors include his daughter, Monica Kozma of Florida; his son, Sandor Kozma, III and his wife Krista of Herkimer; his four stepchildren, Donna (Chip) Pugliese, Kenneth (Linda) Young, Karen (Leonard) Martin and Suzanne Walker, his grandchildren Jack, Cambrin, Christian, Cori, Sarah, Joey, Zachary, Bradley, Seth, Jessie, Mikel, Elizabeth, Caitlyn and Kelley and great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

 He was predeceased by a brother, Lutzi and cousin Kotzi along with cherished inlaws from the Wright, Cardone, Niznik, Spine and Sweet families.

 A memorial service for Sandor will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to NBT Bank), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, later in the spring. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at the funeral home on Saturday, January 29, 2022, from 12;00 noon until the time of the services at 2:00 pm. In keeping with New York State Mandate, Facemask and social distancing is required.

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