John Michael Kozakoff, 98, of Franklin, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2009.
John was born in Shepatovka, Ukraine, on June 6, 1910. His father immigrated to the US several years earlier and worked in a steel mill in upper state NY, saving-up enough money to bring the rest of his family to the country as well. But the complications of WWI prevented him from achieving his goal until the end of the war. The reunited family settled in New York City, where John attended the public school system, graduated from high school and took numerous college courses before beginning his career as a New York City fireman. He retired from the NYFD in the early 1960’s because of injuries sustained in the line of duty.
John Kozakoff resided in Franklin, NC, since the 21 early 1970’s. He was previously married to Louise Kozakoff, Mildred Kozakoff and Bernice Kozakoff (all since deceased). He has three surviving sons: George Kozakoff of Commack, NY, Steve Kozakoff of Gainesville, FL, and Dennis Kozakoff of Marietta, GA. He has six grandchildren: Scott Kozakoff of Boca Raton, FL, Lee Kozakoff of Commack, NY, Laurie Kassis of Farmingville, NY, Steve Kozakoff Jr. of Gainesville, FL, Lisa Childers of Atlanta, GA, and Dennis Kozakoff Jr. of Marietta, GA.
John was a member of the Holly Springs Baptist Church. According to a retired NYFD employee association, he was the oldest living NYFD retiree, the next oldest being a month younger.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2009 in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Brandon Breedlove and Rev. Bud Haire will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Members of the Franklin Fire Department will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 6-9:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at Macon Funeral Home.
Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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