Chef John M. Kozar, 62, died Sept. 2, 2024, after a brief illness. He grew up in Bradenville, PA, but had called Thibodaux, LA, his home for the past 20 years, where he began his teaching career at Nicholls State University in the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute. He started as a professor, specializing in pastry but eventually became Director of the Institute, where he was instrumental in designing and overseeing the construction of its modern culinary classrooms. During his tenure, he traveled with culinary students to France, Italy, and South Korea, exposing them to some of the world's diverse cooking and teaching institutions. He also mentored hundreds of budding chefs who now work at many of the nation's finest restaurants. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a BS in Applied Math and later earned a Master of Business in Operational Excellence at Ohio State University. He was president of the Bayou Community Band, enjoyed playing piano, and judged the annual cooking contest of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as other cooking competitions in the Thibodaux region. He is survived by his two brothers, Michael S. Kozar, and his wife, Peggy, of Laughlintown and Richard F. Kozar, and his wife, Heidi, of Whitney; one sister, Rita E. Burd, and her husband, Lance, of Fairfield, PA; along with nieces and nephew, Renee Miscovich, Macy Logan (Jacob), and children, Mitchell and James, Cathryn Blake (Ryan), and children, Rowan and Tucker, Christopher Kozar (Jennifer), and children, Joey and Ellis. While he was ill, his extended 'family' of Thibodaux friends made it their mission to care for him, Tiffany Duet, Chef Don Kasten, Jeffery Markel, as well as Gene Donati and Karen Sani. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Irene Kozar; a sister, Suzanne Miscovich; and his beloved dog, Schuyler. A memorial service was held at Nicholls State University, Louisiana, and interment was in Louisiana. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Holy Trinity Church, Ligonier, with the Rev. Anthony Carbone as celebrant. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.