Remembering University Heights Councilman Thomas Cozzens
University Heights Councilman Thomas Cozzens died on Jan. 17, after a brief battle with cancer. Susan Infeld, University Heights mayor, shared the news in an e-mail on Jan. 18.
"He was intelligent, thoughtful and well-respected by everyone at City Hall," said Infeld. "We will miss him."
The wake for Cozzens was held on Jan. 20 at the DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life was held on Jan. 21 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Shaker Heights.
In her e-mail, Infeld noted that the 71-year-old Cozzens was a longtime resident of University Heights. "In November 2011, Tom was elected to the City Council and was sworn in as a councilman on Jan. 3, 2012," said Infeld, who added that, as councilman, Cozzens was chairman of the City Council Finance Committtee. Cozzens also served the community as a 13-year member of the Board of Zoning appeals.
Infeld said that the city will have a special remembrance of Councilman Cozzens at a February council meeting. His family will be invited to attend. She announced the news at the Jan. 22 council meeting, and council observed a moment of silence.
Cozzens was a resident of Belvoir Boulevard. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, three sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren, according to Infeld.
The University Heights City Charter requires city council to appoint a replacement for Cozzens within 30 days. If they do not fill the vacancy within that time frame, the mayor shall make the appointment.
On Jan. 24, the City of University Heights announced that it was accepting resumés from residents interested in applying for the vacant seat, and asked that applicants submit their resumés to Kelly M. Thomas, UH clerk of council, by no later than 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 1. Contact Thomas at 216-932-7800, ext. 223 or kthomas@universityheights.com.