Arthur J. Kosino

Arthur J. Kosino, 92 years, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Born March 6, 1923 in Monroe, Art was the son of the late Joseph and Katherine (Sovoda) Kosino. Art attended Monroe Public Schools and in 1994 received his diploma through Monroe Adult Education, something he was very proud of. Art served his country honorably and proudly during WWII in the United States Army Air Force. He flew 26 missions as a waist gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Then on what was to be his 27th and final mission, his plane was shot at setting the bombs on fire, forcing the crew to parachute into enemy territory. He was captured and spent the next 13 months at Stalag 178 in Krems, Austria. On October 2, 1948, Art married his beloved wife the former Jane E. Hunter at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Art was employed by Ford Motor Company working at the Monroe Plant for 30 years. He retired in 1980 as a Die Maker. Art was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, VFW Post 1138, P.O.W. National Organization and the Stalag 17 B Group. He was instrumental and played a key role in obtaining the WWI and WWII Monument at Monroe Veterans Park. He also enjoyed golfing and bowling. Art will be remembered as a kind and caring man whom loved time spent with family. Art is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jane; three loving children, Steven M. Kosino of Tecumseh, MI, Joan M. (Jim Shoemaker) Bunch of Sylvania, OH and Janet L. (David) Littke of Kalamazoo, MI; six cherished grandchildren, Derek, Nick, Ryan, Tessa, Caroline, and Katherine; six treasured great grandchildren, Megan, Tommy, Gracie, Austin and Hayley; a sister Irene Hutton of Monroe and 3 nieces. In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by a son Mark A. Kosino in 1974 and a granddaughter Tanya Payne in 2010. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1-8 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161 where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Evans Bentley will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. Memorial contributions are suggested to VFW (Monroe), St. Paul's United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Arthur J. Kosino

March 6, 1923 - December 1, 2015