Gene Kozlow

Eugene “Geno” Richard Kozlow passed away Nov. 11, 2023, after living an eventful and wonderful life. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and would have been 94 on Dec. 20.

He said he married the love of his life, Patricia, and he adored her as they were also best friends. They were happily married since 1952 and did everything together … except golf.

He definitely was an athlete, becoming the 100-yard freestyle swimming champion three years in a row in high school and Seton Hall College and continued to swim competitively, where he won 14 gold medals. Along the way, he was noticed for his accomplishments by Johnny Weismuller, who asked him to audition to be his replacement for Tarzan. Sadly, that did not happen, but he was always our own Tarzan.

Gene was inducted into the Army where became an officer stationed at Fort Pickett, VA, and participated in an Atomic Bomb experiment in Arizona, which he said was an “awesome sight.”

Working at General Motors for 35 years gave him many opportunities to live in places like Boston, Albany, Philadelphia, Jacksonville and his favorite place, Asheboro.

Golf was his game. No doubt about it. Arnold Palmer played with Gene on his golf course in Pennsylvania. Several of his proudest memories is hitting 2 holes in one throughout his life and playing with his buddies in Asheboro.

He is survived by his wife Patricia E. Kozlow; his son and wife, Dr. Eric and Betsy Kozlow; his daughter, Lesley A. Kozlow; three grandchildren, Hannah, Jessie and Cameron; and 4 great-grandchildren, Jakeman, Xavier, Oliver and Maggie.

He will be remembered by his friends and loved ones by his smile, humor and quick wit along with those eyebrows.

Geno will join his beloved older son, Craig, in peace and Heaven. We all love you Geno. 

A private family service will be planned at a future date.

Pugh Funeral Home is serving the Kozlow family.