Gerard "Jerry" Kozic, 53, of Saylorsburg, PA lost his life on Monday, August 5 in the shooting at the Ross Township Municipal Building. He was the husband of Linda (Goss) Kozic who was also critically injured. They had observed their 16th wedding anniversary on February 14.

Born in Lehighton, PA and raised in the West End, he was the son of the late Milton J. and Grace Ellen (Kuehner) Kozic. He attended Pocono Central Catholic High School in Cresco, PA and was passionate about his love for his wife, Linda, his dogs, and his music.

In his youth, he was a charter member of the Singing Boys of Pennsylvania and at an early age his exceptional talents as a pianist, keyboardist, vocalist and composer lead him to pursue a career in music. He attended Juilliard, the New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music, then toured Italy with the Harlem Opera Society.

Mr. Kozic's love was the piano, which he played beginning at the age of 5. In his teens, he lead church choirs by day and played in nightclubs on weekends. He was also involved in writing. recording and producing sound tracks for live professional review shows, as well as serving as a musical director for a local regional theater. He wrote jingles and original material for many artists and bands spending time most recently performing with saxophone legend George Young's quartet.

As a professional musician, he performed throughout the region and the world, working with Young, Ray Charles, the Four Tops and the Monkees. In June of 2004 he performed by invitation for President George Bush at the White House with the Sgro Brothers.

In addition to his wife Linda, Jerry is survived by his sister, Anne Marie Lamberton and her husband John of Pocono Pines; two nieces, Megan Lamberton of Philadelphia and Kelsey Lamberton of Pocono Pines; a brother-in-law, Jerry Goss and mother-in-law Pricilla Goss, both of Hunlock Creek, aunts and uncles, including John Kozic and Bobby and Geraldine Kuehner and a cousin Tom Kozic.

A Celebration of Jerry's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 24 from the Kresge Funeral Home, 1763 Route 209 Brodheadsville, with Lois Heckman as celebrant. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to the "Help Linda Kozic" Fund at HelpLindaKozic.org. Linda is fighting to recover from her loss, her injuries and her mounting medical expenses.

www.kresgefuneralhome.com