Lawrence Joel Kosmalski

Lawrence Kosmalski departed this life, peacefully and surrounded by his family on August 21, 2024. The world lost a true friend that day, we are saddened but overwhelmed with joy that this incredible man was part of our lives. Born on February 4th, 1943 in Hamtramck, Michigan to Chester and Regina Kosmalski. He leaves behind four amazing children from his first marriage, who will miss him beyond measure. Lawrence Kosmalski (Clare), Lisa Kloock (Jim), Michael Kosmalski (Helen), and Michele Kosmalski. In 1990, Larry married the love of his life, Maureen Kosmalski whom he adored to the end and leaves behind. In that marriage, he gained three more children Leigh, Robert and Christina Ellison who are very grateful for everyday they had him in their lives. He also leaves behind his sister Patricia Kosmalski (Richard) and Stephen Kosmalski (Laura). Along with twenty one grand childen and two great grandchildren and many adoring nieces and nephews. "Koz" spent many years of his life giving service to his country and to the City of Detroit, A city he believed in and chose to raise his family in. He was a decorated Green Beret and served in Vietnam. After his service in the military, he joined the Detroit Fire Department in 1967, where he fearlessly fought to protect the community. In addition, he was also a member of the Detroit Fire Department Clown Team. One of his favorite things to do as a clown team member was to bring joy and happiness with laughter to the children at the Burn Center. It was a great honor for him to be a part of the Detroit Fire Department family. In 2003, he retired as Chief of the DFD, the highest position in a legendary fire department.”Very Larry”. Larry was also an acclaimed artist, self taught and highly skilled. Many of his pieces depicted firefighting. He was the official Detroit Firefighter artist and he graciously donated a collection of his work to the City of Detroit. Not everyone delighted in seeing Larry, fish feared him. An avid fisherman,he was passionate about days spent on his boat and memories made on the water. His license plate read "Fish Assassin". An extraordinary leader who protected us, his city and country will be profoundly missed. He certainly showed us the way to leave the world a better place. Please join us as we bid farewell, for now, to this iconic man.

Lawrence Joel Kosmalski

February 4, 1943 - August 21, 2024