Mr. Gary Kelvin Cosimeno

FRANKFORT – Mr. Gary Kelvin Cosimeno, age 63, went home to the good Lord on Saturday, December 6, 2025. At the time of his passing, he was embraced by his love Lillian, who was holding his hand. Born in Rome on September 18, 1962, Gary was the son of the late Frank N. and Margaret L. (Gibbs) Cosimeno. He spent his childhood in the area and attended Rome Free Academy, graduating in 1981. Gary proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed stateside as a repair specialist until his discharge. Gary shared a deeply loving relationship with his fiancée, Lillian (Kennedy) Mazurowski. For the past 14 years, their bond brought comfort, joy, and a sense of true partnership. They were soulmates in every way, finding happiness and love in the many things they shared. For many years, Gary worked in the transportation industry as a truck driver. He later drove for the Bernie Bus Company, serving the Rome School District, where he connected easily with students by being firm yet fair. His concern for their safety was evident, and the students knew he genuinely cared for them. Gary also served his community as a volunteer firefighter, being awarded lifetime membership for his dedication to the Floyd, Stittville, and Frankfort Schuyler Volunteer Fire Departments. Lastly, he worked for the Walmart Distribution Center as a forklift operator. Gary and Lillian devoted themselves wholeheartedly to one another. Their love was rooted in deep respect and unwavering commitment—something truly beautiful to witness. Lillian and her family brought a sense of peace and fullness to Gary’s life, and together they built a bond strengthened by honesty, trust, and the comfort of knowing they could always rely on each other. Gary was a truly stand-up man. When he and Lillian blended their families, he welcomed her children’s love as if they were his own, and their children cherished him as their true grandfather. He embraced this role wholeheartedly, pouring his heart into being a kind and devoted “Poppie.” He had special nicknames for each of them—Zachary, whom he lovingly called “Pugsley”; Sofia, his “Beautiful Sofie Autumn Dover”; and the youngest, Austin, affectionately known as “Pumpkin Head.” Gary adored each one of them, and he was continually moved by their love and remarkable tenderness. Gary held his younger brother, Randy, close to his heart. Having weathered the loss of guidance in their early years, they learned to lean on one another, growing up side by side with a bond shaped by shared resilience and love. Those experiences made Gary deeply proud of the man Randy became, and his appreciation for his brother ran profoundly and unmistakably deep. A simple man at heart, Gary found his greatest joy in nature, where the outdoors always seemed to renew his spirit. He was a passionate outdoorsman, fully attuned to the rhythms and intensity of the natural world. Some of his happiest memories were made on hunting trips shared with his dear friend, Rock Pape, and his adopted son, Michael—adventures that were never short on laughter or excitement. Wanting Lillian to experience the sport he loved, Gary outfitted her with proper gear and patiently taught her the skills she needed, drawing from his experience as a certified gun safety instructor. He was just as devoted to fishing, teaching his three grandchildren how to bait, hook, and cast, but even more importantly, how to respect their surroundings and feel connected to the water. Each outing ended with the gentle ritual of returning their catch, a lesson in both gratitude and stewardship. Gary was a natural mechanic, sharing his knowledge with Lillian and her son, Andrew, and teaching them how to fix nearly anything. He also had a deep understanding of the earth, tending gardens that were always abundant and thriving. He often spoke with enthusiasm about the ways one could live in harmony with the land, reflecting both his skill and his respect for nature. His greatest accomplishment was finding the courage to let light back into his heart after it had once been broken. Through love and extraordinary grace, Lillian and her children became woven into his life, showing him—and all who knew them—that family is created by love, not just by blood. He also shared a special bond with his cherished daughters-in-law, Heather and Rebecca, delighting them with his unique and clever jokes. He welcomed them into every celebration with warmth, extending that same embrace to Heather’s mother, Vicki, who lovingly became known as “Aunt Vicki.” Gary believed his faith was the guiding force in his life and in his cherished relationships. Born into the Catholic tradition, he truly came to know the Lord through his involvement with the Historic Old St. John’s parish family. He and Lillian devoted their time as volunteers, where he spent time serving in the food pantry, forming meaningful connections with Father John Buehler, Sister Paula Mayer, Father Tom Servatius, Deacon Tim Foley, and lay minister Janet Viscosi. These relationships brought him comfort, eased his fears, and deepened his faith. Gary is survived by his devoted fiancée, Lillian; his stepchildren, Michael and Heather Dover, and Andrew and Rebecca Dover; and the step-grandchildren who brightened his heart, Zachary, Sofia, and Austin Dover—Poppie was Number 1 to them until the very end. He also cherished his son, Andrew “Drew” Cosimeno, and his siblings, Randall L. “Randy” Cosimeno, Sr. and his wife Michelle Ann (Palmer) Cosimeno, Vicki Cosimeno Borst (and the late William Borst), and Katherine Posello. He fondly remembered his brother, Frank Cosimeno, who preceded him. He is additionally survived by his nieces and nephews, especially Randall L. Cosimeno, Jr., Alexandra Margaret (Cosimeno) Chavarria, Joann Borst, Wayne Borst, and William B.J. Borst, Jr.; as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. In-laws include Leonard M. Kennedy, II and his wife Sandra, and Howard Kennedy, Sr. and his wife Sally. He also leaves behind godchildren, Kayla, and Dakota Clance; and his beloved feline emotional support animal, Mow Mow, whose purring often brought him calm and comfort; they were in tune with one another. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Crystal Kennedy Wedgren, and family friend Kathy Smith. Lillian and her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of the day care at Sitrin Hickory House. Their dedication and teamwork greatly improved Gary’s quality of life, especially Krista Bodah, whose caring nature and warm personality brought him joy and uplifted his spirits. Hickory House was filled with welcoming housemates, many of them fellow veterans, which made his time there even more comforting. The core team’s commitment was truly outstanding. A special thank you goes to Michele Dischiavo, P.A., whose warmth and compassion provided invaluable support and guidance throughout Gary’s journey. Debra Tyksinski was a cherished friend to both Gary and Lillian, serving as a constant prayer warrior and helping hand during challenging moments. The Ladies of Charity from St. John’s and St. Joe’s also provided incredible support. Each of these individuals and organizations helped ensure that Gary’s illness and transition were met with love, care, and compassion. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Gary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Gary Kelvin Cosimeno

September 18, 1962 - December 6, 2025