Obituary of Joseph J. Kosko

Albany, NY Joseph J. Kosko, 89 of Atria Shaker, Albany and formerly of Boght Corners died on Wednesday evening, September 18th at Albany Memorial Hospital. Joe was born in Edwardsville, PA to the late John H. and Anna Kitchak Kosko. He had lived with his wife of 60 years, Maureen Phibbs Kosko at their home in Boght Corners for 50 years before Maureen died on November 30, 2012. Joe began his career as an electrical engineer with WTRY Radio and from there he moved on to Channel 13 and after several years of service he progressed on to The New York Television Network in Albany. During his tenure there he had the opportunity to mentor many SUNY students in the engineering field. He is survived by his daughter, JoAnn Kosko Simmons and her husband Timothy P. Simmons of Selkirk, NY, his two grandchildren: Timothy Joseph Simmons and Maureen O'Brien Simmons, whose lives are forever richer having had Joe as their grandfather. His love and patience, kindness and example have guided them through their lives, and whose shoes, will never be filled. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as lifelong friends in the area and in Florida where he and Maureen had wintered for the past 25 years. A very special thank you goes out to Maureen's brothers and their spouses: Thomas & Mary Phibbs of Wynantskill and James (Jay) and Clara Phibbs of Schroon Lake, NY, whose love and support have been ever present. The memories made with them will be carried in dad's heart forever and will never be forgotten. Besides his wife, Joseph was predeceased by his siblings: Demetri, Stephen, Agnes, John, Jr., Anna, Helen, Harry, William and Anna. Joe's family wishes to extend a special thank you to his new extended family at the Atria Shaker, where the care and love he received was beyond our dreams and for whom the words "thank you" seem very inadequate. Special thanks are also sent to Dr. Mina Sun who cared for Joe at Atria Shaker and to Dr. Shoaib Arif, of St. Peter's Health Partners who was so compassionate and understanding and whose counsel was much appreciated during this difficult time. The Funeral Service for the Departed will commence at 5pm, Saturday September 21, at St. Nicholas' Russian Orthodox Church, 67 Saratoga St., Cohoes, NY 12047. Interment will follow in St. Nicholas' Russian Orthodox Cemetery in Boght Corners. Mr. Kosko will be reposing in the Chapel of the Riverview Funeral Home, Inc. Located at 218 2nd Ave., (Corner of 104th St) Troy, NY 12180 on Friday, September 20. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends beginning at 4pm, a Litiya Service will conclude the calling hours at 7pm in the chapel of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that a contribution be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York in honor of Joe. You may mail your contribution to the organization at 85 Watervliet Ave., Albany, NY 12206 or donate online at www.alz.org Funeral Service 5:00 pm Saturday, September 21, 2013 St. Nicholas' Russian Orthodox Church 67 Saratoga Street Cohoes, New York, United States