Alexander J. Kosidlo

Alexander J. Kosidlo, a resident of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away on July 21st, 2025, at the age of 100 with his loving family by his side. He was born July 3rd, 1925, in Detroit, Michigan, to Alexander and Alexandria Kosidlo. Alexander grew up in Detroit where he attended St. Andrew’s Catholic grade school, then Cass Tech High School to study aeronautics. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War II and immediately started his basic, airplane mechanic, and aerial gunnery training. At just 19 years old, he coined the nickname “Junior” from his fellow crewmen for being the youngest member of the 398th bomb group 602nd quadrant (or “C for Charlie” as they liked to call themselves). Alexander flew his first of 35 missions on August 15th, 1944, the Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When he returned home to Michigan from serving in the Air Force, he graduated from Lawrence Tech with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

His life of service to others was only just beginning. He raised six children alongside his loving wife Marion. Alexander believed he was very blessed with his family. He said, “They are really my treasure. I don’t have any dollars or cents in the bank, or anything like that. My wealth is my wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I am very proud of all of them.”

Alexander was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he had the opportunity to meet and shake hands with Pope John Paul II. He donated 21 gallons of blood through the American Red Cross, saving many lives with his donations. His parents immigrated to the United States from Poland, and Alexander was proud of his Polish American heritage all his life. In his later years, he loved to spend time with his family, playing slots at the casino, and golfing. He even had a hole-in-one at his family’s annual tournament!

As a devout Catholic, his signature tagline in life was “God is good, All the time”. When asked his secret to living a full 100-year life, his response was always “Faith, Family, and Friends.” May he rest in peace. He will be dearly missed and will continue to be an inspiration to all who were blessed to know him.

Beloved husband of the late Marion. Loving father of Kathleen (the late Ken) McGowan, David (Victoria) Kosidlo, Bernadette (Rick) Higginbotham, Diane (Brian) Foley, the late Beverly (Dennis) Burnham, and Eileen (Tom) Finn. Dearest grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of seven. Dear brother of the late Wanda Rominski. Alexander was predeceased by his grandson Joseph Foley.

Visitation Monday, July 28th, 2025, from 3-8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan 48154. Instate Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, from 10am until time of Mass at 10:30 am at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Rd., Plymouth, Michigan 48170. Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Red Cross.