John T. "Kos" Koscelnik

John T. "Kos" Koscelnik

John T. "Kos" Koscelnik, age 35, died unexpectedly on Friday, March 18, 2011 at his Erie home. He was the son of Tom and Madge Crocker Koscelnik of Erie and The Villages, Florida.

John was a key staff member at Calamari's, which included managing catering events and specialty beer lists. John was a beloved member of the downtown Erie community as reflected by his large entourage. John was an avid music lover with eclectic taste ranging from Soulive to the Tragically Hip to jazz. Kos' charisma and character earned him numerous nicknames including: "Coach, Awesome and the Mayor of State Street". John touched many lives and once you were a friend, you were friends for life.

He graduated from St. George Catholic School, Cathedral Prep class of 1994 and attended college at St. Bonaventure University.

Football and soccer were important in his life since his early years. He was an ardent Dallas Cowboys and Notre Dame football fan. He coached many local soccer teams including: Villa, St. George, Walnut Creek and McDowell. Most recently, he was an assistant soccer coach at Gannon University while he continued playing soccer and golf recreationally.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers, Thomas Koscelnik of Erie and Timothy Koscelnik and wife Susan of Marietta, GA, two sisters, Valerie Koscelnik of Philadelphia, PA, Carolyn Short and husband Bill of Frisco, TX, and two nephews, Caleb and Nicholas Koscelnik. He is survived by aunts, uncles and cousins along with many very close friends, especially his dear friend, Sarah Purvis and their beloved felines, Fuschniggy and Oliver "Little Man".

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. and may attend a service there on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint George Church, 5145 Peach Street, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. George School Tuition Angel Fund, 5145 Peach St., Erie, PA 16509 or the Humane Society, 2707 Interchange Rd., Erie, PA 16506