Rutherford Hayes “Rudy” Cozad Jr.

July 21, 2018 Last Updated: July 21, 2018 12:00 PM Death Notice

Rutherford Hayes “Rudy” Cozad Jr., 86, formerly of Cranberry Township, passed away Tuesday while residing at the Southwestern Veterans Center in Pittsburgh.

He was born on Aug. 26, 1931, in Rochester, Pa., and was a son of the late Rutherford and Isabel (Whipple) Cozad.

Known by friends and family as Rudy, he proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force, retiring with more than 20 years of service. He then went on to serve an additional 13 years with the U.S. Postal Service.

Rudy was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., and the Knights of Columbus and Men's Club of St. Ferdinand Catholic Church in Cranberry Township, for over 40 years.

Rudy was an accomplished archery marksman. He was an Alaskan State Archery Champion and a three-time Senior Olympic Archery Medal winner.

Rudy was the former owner and operator of the C & M Archery Range.

Rudy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael (Helen) Cozad of Crafton, Pa., and Mark (Donna) Cozad of Cranberry Township; four daughters and sons-in-law, Anita (Brian) Neff of Cape Coral, Fla., Mary Jo (Carl) Follmer of Freedom, Julia (Jeff) Jenkins of Erie, and Teresa (Chris) Carney of Catonsville, Md.; 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Erin, A.J., Molly, Kelly, Logan, Patrick, Maura, Haley, Kevin, Lauren, Declan and Nolan; four great-grandchildren; his sister and brother-in-law, Vicki (Jahn) Mentzer of Crafton; and his brother-in-law, Paul Koprivnak.

In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Ruth (Beerman) Cozad, who passed on June 7, 2018; his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and George Postupac; and his sister, Betty Koprivnak.

COZAD — Friends Rutherford Hayes “Rudy” Cozad Jr., who died Tuesday, June 19, 2018, will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday at SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, 273 Route 68, Rochester, Pa.A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township. The public is respectfully asked to arrive directly at the church on Monday morning.Military honors will be presented at 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church by members of the Beaver County Special Unit.Private interment will follow in John F. Kennedy Memorial Garden at Sylvania Hills Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Foundation in loving memory of Rutherford H. Cozad Jr.Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.