In memoriam: Gregory P. Cozzi

Gregory P. Cozzi, a partner at Cozzi Recycling LLC who also served as a director at the company, died Aug. 16 from cancer at the age of 66. He most recently served as a director at Cozzi Recycling LLC in the Chicago area.  

Greg Cozzi attended St. Rita High School in Chicago and Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan, having been inducted into both schools’ football halls of fame. In the obituary provided by his family, Greg Cozzi is described as having remained a loyal teammate and friend.

He began his career in the scrap industry in 1976 as a sales trainee at Cozzi Iron & Metal in Chicago. He quickly rose to vice president, helping to build the company into one of the largest scrap metal processing firms in the country.

When Cozzi Iron & Metal merged with Metal Management in 1997, Greg Cozzi became vice president of the company and a member of the board of directors.

After leaving Metal Management in 2004, Greg Cozzi, along with his brothers Frank Cozzi and Albert Cozzi, formed Cozzi Consulting Group. The brothers re-entered the scrap processing business in 2006 as Cozzi Recycling, which is based in Bellwood, Illinois.

Greg Cozzi is described as a devoted husband to Colleen and proud father of Kelly, Greg Jr. and Peter and a grandfather of three, Grace, Franklin and Izabella. His family said he was a mentor, inspiration and role model to all who knew him.

In addition to Frank Cozzi and Albert Cozzi, his surviving siblings include Michael Cozzi, Terri Freeman and Doree Hoselton.  

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Modell Funeral Home, 7710 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 60561. Visiting also is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. with Mass to follow at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620.