Rodney Thaddeus Koza, 83, of Basking Ridge, NJ, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Rodney was born on July 13, 1941, in Elizabeth, NJ to Thaddeus and Jean Koza. Rodney earned his BS in Civil Engineering from the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, PA, and later received a Master’s degree from Seton Hall in South Orange, NJ. After graduation, Rodney worked for New York Central Railroad in New York City for many years.

Rod and his wife Barbara were married for 56 years. Rod loved the many dogs and cats that he and Barbara adopted over the years. He also enjoyed being a member of many clubs and organizations, especially the Knights of Columbus and the Stamp Club. He was an active member of St. James Church of Basking Ridge and greatly enjoyed Bible Study. Rodney was a social person and could have a conversation with anyone about anything - from life to politics to owning a business to the New York Yankees. Rodney was an avid collector of baseball cards, stamps and coins. He was a gifted artist and enjoyed drawing and painting.

Rodney is predeceased by his wife Barbara, his cousin Ken Pulkonik, brother-in-law William Morrison and his close friend, Henry Yablonski. Rodney leaves behind four cousins (Barbara Tedesco, John Kozlowski, Jan Kozlowski, and John Ringwood), his sister-in-law MaryAnn, niece Kimberlie, and nephew Donald Morrison. He leaves behind many friends and acquaintances that he made throughout his life. He will be deeply missed by his goddaughter, Diane Diefenbacher, husband Joe, and their family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-8pm at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ. Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Church, 184 S. Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11 am. There will be brunch immediately following the service in the church cafeteria. Burial services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations for St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center can be left at funeral home with the funeral home staff and then mailed together in honor of Rodney Koza .