George R. Cozzens

Auburn - George Richard Cozzens passed away Sunday morning May 4, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1947 in Southbridge, MA, son of Earl R. Cozzens and Miriam L. (Watson) Cozzens, and spent the first 12 years of his life in Sturbridge before the family moved to Charlton in 1959. George attended and graduated from Charlton High School in 1965 and went on to attend Ward Business School while working nights at Spencer Products. It was at Ward he would meet Jennifer Cleary, whom he would marry on September 1, 1967. George was drafted into the Army shortly after getting married and was sent to Fort Dix for basic training. He was medically discharged approximately 6 months later and then pursued a short career as a Metropolitan Life Insurance Agent before starting his lifetime career in heavy construction equipment, holding positions from mechanic, to sales, to management, for Schmidt Equipment (John Deere) in Oxford, MA.

George’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, and golf.

He was very instrumental in developing and starting the first local Hospice in the late 80’s, working side by side with Lynn White. Lynn was a nurse at Harrington Memorial Hospital when George’s father Earl was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The timing of Earl’s diagnosis along with Lynn’s desire to help those in need created a very strong bond with the Cozzens’ family. Together, George and Lynn helped build an organization that provided a greatly needed service to those who were terminally ill, and their families.

George was predeceased by his parents, Earl and Miriam; wife, Jennifer; son, Anthony, and sister, Cindy.

He is survived by his daughter, Melissa (Cozzens) Plumley (Tom Plumley); son, Lee (Rebecca Carner Cozzens); grandson, Nick Plumley; granddaughter, Ally Plumley; brother, Dave (Chris Soderberg); niece, Brittany Cozzens (Justin Cozzens); great-niece, Avery Cozzens, and very close friend, Erin Macumber.

George will be dearly missed by everyone close to him.

There are no services at this time.

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