Andrew John Kozlak, Jr.

Andrew John Kozlak, Jr., of Amston, passed away on November 16, 2022 at Backus Hospital in Norwich Conn. He was 79 years old.  Andy was born in Hartford, CT on September 11, 1943.  He was a son of the late Andrew Sr. and Helen (Moskwa) Kozlak.  On August 7, 1965, Andy married his beloved wife, Candice McLaughlin.  Soon after, the couple made their home at Amston Lake where they raised their two sons.  Andy was the assistant coach for his son’s recreation soccer team when they were young.  He was also a former member of the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, Company #2 and certified EMT for 9 years.  Andy retired several years ago after a career in carpentry and industrial maintenance, working for 25 years at the Institute of Living, where he also started the volunteer fire brigade and was the acting chief. He finished his career working for Foxwoods Casino for an additional ten years. He had an affinity for tractors, especially his own John Deere.  He was a member of the CT Antique Tractor Association and he loved participating in the Tractor Pulls at local fairs and at the Zagray Farm in Colchester. In his spare time, some of Andy’s favorite memories were made while hunting or fishing with his family.  Most importantly, Andy will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Candy of 57 years; his sons and their spouses, Drew and Wendy Kozlak of Windham, Mark and Kristy Kozlak of Lebanon; four grandchildren, Talon and Owen Kozlak, Krystelle and her husband Chris Dean, and Dylan Dancosse; five great grandchildren; a brother, Richard and his wife Nancy Kozlak of New Britain; and many extended family members and friends.  A celebration of Andy’s life will be held at a later date to be announced.  The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements. To share a memory or express a condolence to Andy’s family, please visit: www.auroramccarthyfuneralhome.com.