LemhiWeb

Nicholas Joseph Kosteczko 59 years of age, passed away at his residence on Monday, January 16, 2012.  Memorial services will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jones & Casey Funeral Home Chapel in Salmon, Idaho with Pastor Ty Orr officiating.

            Nicholas was born on April 15, 1952 in Walden, New York one of five children born to Joseph Peter Kosteczko and Mildred (Bacon) Kosteczko.

            Nicholas grew up in the Wallkill area on a dairy farm and graduated from Wallkill Senior High School in 1970, in Wallkill, New York.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army following high school.  He wanted to be a green beret, but due to government cutbacks, he was honorably discharged soon thereafter.

            He went to work for the local Teamsters 445 Union, where he was a driver for over 30 years and also operated heavy equipment in construction.

            He married his high school sweetheart Suzanne Mack on October 20, 1973 at the St. Charles Catholic Church of Gardiner, New York and to this union two children were born:  Joseph and Nicole.  They made their home in Gardiner, New York, where he worked for the union and raised his family.  He loved to hunt and fish and continued his pastime of running for years.

            He built his own bow, rifle, mussle loaders and enjoyed hunting with his children and teaching them to love the sport and enjoy the beauty of nature.  He retired to Salmon in 2004. Nick and Sue spent many afternoons on hikes in the mountains.

            He was an avid gardener and was quite self sufficent by making his own wine, beer and soda, and raising his own beef and pork.   His dog Red, was his constant companion, the three of them went for walks every day and Red loved to join them in the mountains as well.

            He is survived by his wife Suzanne of Salmon, son Joseph Peter (Valerie) Kosteczko of Virginia Beach, Virginia, daughter Nicole Odell (Russel) of Fremont, California, sisters: Elizabeth Ann (Donald) Lynch of Landsdale, Pennsylvania, and Mildred “Judy” (James) of Caroga Lake, New York,  brother John Frank (Dawn) of Hurley, New York,   four grandchildren:  Amber Odell, Anya, Nicholas and Michael Kosteczko, and nieces and nephews.

            Preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Amelia Kosteczko.

            Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society 2676 Vista Ave., Boise, Idaho 83705 or a Charity of your choice.  Arrangements made by Jones & Casey Funeral Home.