Teresa G. Kozar 1931-2025

Teresa Giovanna Kozar was born in Youngstown, Aug. 13, 1931, the first child of Luigi and Mary Grace Canacci Scarsella. Shortly after the birth of her sister Concetta, the family moved to Fagnano Alta, L’Aquila, Italy, to care for Luigi’s grandfather. They resided there for 12 years, during which time another sister, Vicky, was born. Teresa finished her schooling and was married to Marino Pettorelli. Shortly after WWII, the entire family returned home to Youngstown.

Teresa and Marino had three children: a son, Anthony, who passed shortly after birth; a daughter, Concetta; and a son, Louis, who passed away in 2004. Marino tragically passed during surgery when the children were infants.

Teresa’s parents took over Al’s Bar and Grill on Pyatt Street and Market in 1957. It would evolve into what would become the center of the family’s lives and become Scarsella’s Restaurant. Teresa dedicated her entire life to the restaurant’s success.

It was there she met the love of her life, Leon J. Kozar. Charmed by his comedic personality, they were married Oct. 23, 1965. They had two sons, John and Joseph, bestowing upon them all of their love and affection.

Teresa encouraged her daughter, Connie, to take over Scarsella’s Restaurant, which she did in 1981. It has become a community favorite for all lovers of Italian food for over 60 years. Teresa loved her customers and they loved her. All recount her kindness and generosity, making them feel as though they, too, were a part of the family. Most referred to her as Mama or Grandma and cherished when she spoke to them beautifully in Italian.

Teresa was a lover of music and dance, seemingly gliding on her feet at all family weddings and gatherings.

She was a living example of the rewards of hard work and dedication to family. She and her sisters instilled a fraternal bond among their children, with all of the cousins rarely apart from one another.

She had great affection for all of her grandchildren, Dale Kushma, Sean (Stephanie) Kushma, Maureen (Robert) LaCivita, Jessica, Gianna and Joseph Kozar, Ave, Sophia, John Morgan, Max and Christopher Kozar; and two great-grandchildren, Maria and Michael LaCivita, as well as her many nieces, nephews and godchildren whom she cherished until her passing.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Leon J. Kozar; daughter, Connie (Dale) Kushma; her sister, Vicki (Felix) Battista; and her two sons, John (Melissa) Kozar and Joe (Toni) Kozar.

Teresa was preceded in death by her parents, Luigi and Mary Grace Scarsella; first husband, Marino Pettorelli; two sons, Anthony and Louis Pettorelli; and her sister, Connie (Mario) Massaro.

Friends and family may pay their respects to Teresa 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.

There will be additional calling hours 11 to 11:50 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in the chapel of St. Catherine of Siena Parish-St. Charles Borromeo Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, where a funeral Mass will follow at noon, with the Very Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw J.C.L, V.G. as celebrant.

Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown.

The family would like to thank all of the patrons of Scarsella’s Restaurant, who became part of Teresa’s extended family, as well as the staff and nurses at Caprice Health who took gentle care of her in her final year.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be sent in her name to St. Charles Church, 7345 Westview Drive, Boardman, OH 44512.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Teresa’s family.

(special notice)