Thomas Cozzens remembered at Feb. 19 University Heights City Council meeting

Mayor Susan Infeld presents Mary Ann Cozzens and two of her children, Kathleen and Patrick, with a plaque in memory of UH Councilman Thomas Cozzens. [Photo Simone Quartell]

The City of University Heights honored Councilman Thomas Cozzens at its Feb. 19 city council meeting.

Cozzens, who died on Jan. 17 after a brief battle with cancer, was elected to council in November 2011, and sworn in on Jan. 3, 2012.

At the Feb. 19 remembrance, University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld presented Cozzens’ wife, Mary Ann, daughter Kathleen and son Patrick, with a memorial plaque. Another identical plaque will be installed at city hall.

Infeld also presented the family with Cozzens’ council nameplate, and condolence letters from University Heights residents that had been sent to city hall.

She read a letter of condolence from the Ohio State Senate that was signed by Senate President Keith Faber and District 21 Senator Shirley Smith, that described Cozzens as “a spirited individual who contributed to the lives of those around him.”

Cozzens "lent a lot to council,” said Infeld. “Tonight isn't easy for any of us. He had a brilliant mind, and we all thought highly of him. His absence is keenly felt."

As councilman, Cozzens chaired the finance committee. He also was a 13-year member of the Board of Zoning Appeals.

A resident of Belvoir Boulevard, Cozzens is survived by his wife, daughter, three sons and six grandchildren.

Simone Quartell

Simone Quartell, a Heights High graduate, is a student at Cleveland State University and a Heights Observer intern.

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Volume 6, Issue 3, Posted 11:48 AM, 02.28.2013