Casmir Koziol
Casey Koziol, loving and faithful husband, caring father, and mentor was born in Chicago, Ill., on March 5, 1927, to Frank and Tekla Podraza Koziol and was suddenly called to the Lord on March 19, 2012.
The son of Polish immigrants, he proudly served his country as an MP during WWII, returning to attend college on a basketball scholarship at St. Mary's University in Winona, Minn. He subsequently earned a management degree from Loyola University, in Chicago, through the GI bill.
A 47-year Motorola employee, he began work at the loading docks while attending Weber High School and eventually retired as vice president of personnel in 1992. His career took him from Chicago to Riverside, Calif., where he completed his master’s at UCLA. He was the personnel director of Motorola Semiconductor and Government Electronics Groups in Phoenix from the early ’60s until the mid-’70s, where he was instrumental in helping Motorola become Arizona's largest private-sector employer.
In 1973, he was promoted to vice president of personnel administration and relocated to Chicago when Motorola formed its worldwide corporate headquarters in Schaumburg, Ill. Casey ended his career at Motorola by relocating back to Phoenix in the early ’90s.
Many Motorolans remember their personnel badges having the signature "C.F. Koziol" on them. He was an innovator in human resources where he defined a work-sharing program that was subsequently adopted in many states. This created partnerships between the state's unemployment offices and high-tech manufacturers, enabling companies to actively manage workforces in a highly cyclical business. His tireless work ethic and passion for people helped shape and earn Motorola distinction and acclaim for its unique workplace culture. He was active in the Motorola retirees organization, coordinating many luncheons and gatherings over the years.
Casey's love of life, family, friends and God was what defined him. He was the driving force behind the large, close-knit family that will forever be his legacy. Always ready to counsel and advise, he was a mentor to many. No problem was ever too big to tackle. Most importantly, he felt that God was an important factor in life and sought counsel from above on a daily basis. Never was his faith so tested as when his wife underwent brain surgery six years ago. In his final years, he was a compassionate caregiver, setting an admirable example for those who knew him. Managing his own health condition, Casey never complained and tackled each challenge with focus and passion.
One of his favorite activities was watching his grandchildren participate in their various sporting events. His grandchildren will always remember Grandpa in the stands with his words of encouragement; he will be sorely missed during this football, baseball and softball season. Casey's infectious smile, laughter and positive outlook will live on in everyone he touched.
