John Frank "Junie" Cosmich, Jr.

John Frank "Junie" Cosmich, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025. Born on June 30, 1935, to Clara Skrnich Cosmich and John Frank Cosmich, Sr., in Biloxi, Mississippi, John was a proud lifelong resident of his hometown.

John was educated at Notre Dame Catholic School, where he attended from an early age, and later went on to pursue studies at Ole Miss. After his education, he worked alongside his father on the shrimp boat, the “Dolores S”, a formative experience that shaped much of his character and work ethic. John later joined the U.S. Postal Service, where he worked for many years and eventually retired as a Postal Supervisor.

In 1960, John married Leanna Besse, and together they built a family that would become the center of his life. He and Leanna had five children: Mary Catherine, John David (Johnny), Patricia Lynn (Tricia), William Michael (Billy), and Richard Christopher (Richie).

John and Leanna were dedicated to raising their children in the Catholic faith as active members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Biloxi. John and Leanna served on the Bazaar Committee and together supported the Saint Vincent De Paul organization. They worked hard to instill strong moral values in their children, all of whom attended Catholic school. John's faith was central to his life; he prayed the Rosary every day while watching daily Mass.

In addition to their spiritual commitments, John and Leanna enjoyed a vibrant life filled with fun and community engagement. Both were members of the Revelers Mardi Gras Club and volunteers for the annual Slavic Golf Tournaments, generously giving their time and energy to these events, year after year.

In 1993, after Leanna became seriously ill, John devoted himself to her care with immense love and compassion until her passing. His strength and dedication to his wife during this difficult time reflected the deep bond they shared.

Soon after Leanna's death, John's children decided to take him on a trip to Disney World in Orlando, FL, during Thanksgiving week, hoping to give him a break and some time to recharge. That Thanksgiving, they spent the day in Edgewater, FL, with his daughter’s mother-in-law. The two developed a close bond. Doris had lost her husband of many years, that same year. A few years later, John and Doris married.

John and Doris lived in Biloxi for many years before moving to Edgewater, FL, where he resided until his passing. In Edgewater, John loved spending time with Doris and their combined families—his own children and grandchildren, as well as his bonus children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa John”. He cherished attending family events and loved spending time with Doris, especially enjoying trips to Beef O'Brady's, and other Edgewater hot spots. John found peace and joy in taking his golf cart to the point to watch the dolphins and birds. This was a special place for him, where he often spent hours reading a good book.

John was a man of faith, integrity, and humility. He was known for his kind heart, strong sense of community, and a quick smile that brought comfort to all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion.

John is survived by his loving wife, Doris; his five children, Mary (Jeb) Cariker, John (Keri) Cosmich, Tricia (Jim) Allen, Billy (Barbara) Cosmich, and Richie Cosmich; and with his blended family- 28 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Leanna; his parents, Clara and John; his sister, Patsy Kuluz; and his nephew, Carl Kuluz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to charity of choice in John’s memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Biloxi, MS, with visitation from 10:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park.

John’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind, and his spirit will forever be with us.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Frank “Junie” Cosmich, Jr.