Wayne L. Kosa
Wayne L. Kosa, age 73, of Alpha, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 2, 1952, in Phillipsburg, NJ, Wayne was the cherished son of Steve and Teresa Kosa. He was raised in Alpha, NJ, where he attended St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Phillipsburg High School in 1970. He later studied at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.
From a young age, Wayne displayed a natural talent for sports. He played for the Alpha Midgets John Dolak Post Football Team, which competed in the Little League Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. He proudly wore jersey #60 as a member of the Phillipsburg High School JV and Varsity Football Teams under Coach Frinzi.
Wayne was known for his kind spirit, unwavering dedication to family, and a deep compassion for animals. Remarkably, he earned his certified private pilot’s license from Bradenton Airport before obtaining his driver’s license.
Professionally, Wayne worked at Mobil Chemical in Washington, NJ, and spent many years at Jersey Central Power & Light’s Gilbert Generation Station in Holland Township, where he became a licensed boiler operator. After the plant’s closure, he continued his career at Lafayette College, serving as a boiler operator at the campus power plant until retirement.
In retirement, Wayne embraced his love of golf, working as a ranger at Beaver Brook Country Club in Clinton, NJ. He was a proud member of Apple Valley Golf Club and Harker’s Hollow Golf Club. A lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Alpha, where he served as an altar boy at Mass, Wayne also belonged to several social organizations, including the Citizen’s Hose Club and Fleas Club in Easton, PA, and the Italian American Club in Phillipsburg, NJ. Wayne is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice Pursel Kosa; his daughter and son-in-law, Jacquelyn and Charlie Kreichelt of Easton, PA and grandchildren Brycen and Alivia Kreichelt. He is also survived by his brothers Dennis Kosa of Alpha, NJ, Alan Kosa and brother-in-law Thomas Smith of Neptune, NJ; nephew David Kosa of Krakow, Poland; and niece Valerie Kosa of Mechanicsburg, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Teresa and Steve Kosa. Wayne’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A Calling hour will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 9:15 to 10:15AM at the Finegan Funeral Home, 924 2nd Ave. Alpha, NJ 08865. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM in St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 830 Fifth Ave. Alpha, NJ. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Alpha, NJ. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Rd., Easton, Pa. 18042.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
-Winnie the Pooh