Dennis S. Kozlowski, affectionately known as “Koz,” answered the Lord’s call on April 16, 2026, at his home in Poquoson, VA. Born in Redding, Pennsylvania, Koz was the son of the late Virginia and Sigmund Kozlowski. At the age of 10, Coach moved to Hazelton, Pennsylvania, to live with his grandmother, Teresa Viscount, where he discovered his love of sports by participating in a game of Little League Baseball. Koz graduated at the top of his class at Hazelton H.S in 1962; Attended Frederick Military Academy in 1963, and was #1 in his Prep Class. He then attended Frederick College (’64-’68) in Portsmouth, Virginia, and in 1968, he came to Bethel High School (BHS) as an English teacher, then eventually Head Coach of Football, Track/Field, and later the Athletic Director until his retirement in 2000. Koz came to be the “Architect of BHS Success” in athletics. Through the years, he led the Bruins in 1974, 1976, and 1992 to win AAA State Football Championships, and to countless track and field record breaking moments from student athletes throughout his career. All of the students he worked with were like his children, and he loved them all with everything he had to give.
A Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 1415 Big Bethel Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666, on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The obituary was dictated to me by Koz himself! You all know, he had to be in control! It has been an honor for the last 5 years to care for him, get to know him better, and listen to all the stories of days gone by. Some stories I’ll take to my grave! I’d cringe when he would ask, “Do you remember?”; because I couldn’t remember too much of anything, and he remembered EVERYTHING about what happened, when it happened, and where it happened! He loved sharing his memories and hoped his former students and athletes would remember as well. So many of us are a part of the known Legacy of Koz. ALWAYS toot your horn with pride when you speak of your time with him, and ALWAYS know he cherished his moments with you!
Norma Lynn Johnson Jeffries, a.k.a. Koz’s Secretary
16 Comments
Dennis Kozlowski changed my life for the better, in many ways. He taught us All about sports and life. Koz would look you in the eyes and he talked directly to us, about us, and about our teammates and competition. He showed us and taught us about demanding workouts, self discipline, self reflection, honesty, perseverance and fairness. He told stories of winning and losing, and personal sacrifice. Koz was my Track Coach for three years (1972 – 1974) and my Football Coach for the Summer and Fall of 1973. I loved Coach Kozlowski just like the thousands of other Bethel High kids over the decades. We were young people who could use a strong, tough, fair, and wise Father figure. He was one of the very best things to happen to me in my 69 years of life. Bless you and Thank you, Coach Kozlowski. A caring person, and a good and generous man. ❤️ BHS ’74 ❤️ ☮️
Hi Chris, this is Bill Taylor, I was the skinny distance runner in 1974, my junior year, I believe you were senior. I was there the day Mr. Drum accidentally hit you with the discus. Anyway, really appreciated your comment for coach Koz. Anyway hope you’re doing well, Im living in the mountains in Idaho, off grid living the dream, married to a wonderful woman from the Philippines. My son is getting married next month. Went to 50 year high school reunion last year, and I’m still running! God bless!
Very well done! Great friend, athlete, and coach.
My condolences to his family. He was loved by so many and I cherish all the wisdom he embedded in me! I salute you Coach Koz..R.I.P❤️🙏🏽…1980-81 Football Mgr🏈🥇🏆🔥💚💛…Bruin4Life “1067”
What a beautiful tribute! Great job Secretary Norma Jean! May you be blessed tremendously for the excellent care you gave to Coach. Praying for comfort to you and all who loved him.
Condolences to you Norma and the other Bruin colleagues who personally stuck by Koz especially during the period of his sickness. Koz’s influence especially amongst the athletes he coached is undeniable. He was in the lives of the athletes he coached well after they left high school. Many maintained a lifelong connection to him as a constant mentor (my brother Derwin being one of them).
May you all be blessed for being such a blessing and a great reflection of God’s amazing love.
Koz, gave me one of my most cherished pieces of advice when I was a senior at Bethel. I had briefly considered not playing football my senior year and when I went to speak with him about it, he told me that if I quit now, I would have that recipe memorized and for the rest of my life anything that got too hard it would be easy for me to just walk away. I went on to play my senior year and throughout my life, I have always remembered that piece of advice Koz gave me and just like anybody else I have faced hard times and adversity, but push through it and persevered.
We met Koz through his constant companion and along with Norma his care giver Helen Parker for 13 plus years. He was always very generous and kind and will be missed.
We met Koz through his constant companion and along with Norma his care giver Helen Parker for 13 plus years. He was always very generous and will be missed.
Coach Kozlowski taught so many student-athletes at Bethel High School how to establish personal goals, and through dedication, accountability, loyalty, merit, and hard work; goals could be attained throughout life. Personal and team discipline were paramount. Coach never missed an opportunity to stress to an athlete or a student the importance of education. Coach Koz was extremely dedicated to the school and he and his coaching staff put BHS football and track/field “on the map”.
I was fortunate and honored to have been a member of the ’75, ’76, and ’77 football teams. Coach and his staff prepared us so well, stressing excellence on and off the field; and in the classroom. All of Koz’s efforts were designed to prepare us for the obstacles that may be faced in life. Coach had such a positive and lasting impact on so many team members; making us champions.
Coach Kozlowski, thank you for being such a great teacher, football, track, and Life coach. Coach Koz truly loved his players and he will be sorely missed. Coach, I know you are at peace now and in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Jeffrey Pereira
BHS class of 1978
I met Koz my freshman year, 1988, and asked him after English class was there anything I could do with football to help him out. He said I could be a manager. I didn’t know what that meant, so if course I agreed. Those 4 years managing the team with him as head coach changed me. Going to state senior year was the best!! I will miss him always!!
I met Dennis at Frederrick Military Academy in ’63. We studied Algebra under Coach Garrett. I have lots of memories of Coach Davis, Coach Outland. There were many pranks played on many of the Cadets by Dennis. My recollection is he played ball with Al Woodall, (played with the Colts) and others that went into pro football.
I regret that I may not be able to attend tomorrows event, but I will pass on information of his passing to other Frederick Military Alumni. Our numbers are declining. He to will be missed.
I was fortunate to meet “Coach Koz” when Bethel High School opened in 1968. I was 8 years old & was dragged (not really dragged) to every sporting event my older brothers participated in. BHS was kind of like my playground cause I just didn’t go to the games, I was usually at the practices also with my Dad. Coach Koz was always the predominant voice you heard whether it was on the football field, track or the gym. When I was 11 I fell in the parking lot outside of the gym & my brother Nelson had to carry my to the training room so Coach could pick the rocks out of my knee. (I still have that scar to this day). I could go on & on with my encounters with Coach before I ever became a Bruin. Once I got to BHS my sophomore year I was around him even more, yes he was the guys track coach but he always took the time with the girls team. He gave us so many tips from passing the baton to coming out of the starting blocks. He was always willing to take the time with everyone. I was so blessed to have been able to help him when he needed it in his last few years of his life & always thought of him as a father figure. I will say this about Coach he remembered every detail of football games, track meets right down to the quarter, halftime scores to splits on relays etc.. He had his mind right to the end, not many can say that. He loved his Athletes & Students unlike anyone. I miss talking with him so much already. He will be remember as a Legend of BHS.
A great educator. I always remember his English Class. His teaching help me through college.
Thank you for your dedication and the best teams ever. Winning the state champs in 1976, in Richmond. You are one of the best in my book.
Coach also worked with Coach Kovas and the girls track team in which I participated. I wasn’t a superstar but he always encouraged me to do and be my best. I’ll never forget his kindness. Thank you for all you meant to us !!!