WILLIAM E. COZZO

William ‘Bill’ Cozzo always lived with one goal in mind: to be remembered as making sure there was always a laugh and a smile where ever he was. Bill Cozzo could boast that he worked with Bob Hope, Jack Benny and Frances Langford as well as headlining with Adolf Menjou across the U.S. But he took even greater pride as a man who made San Bernardino home. Bill proudly served his country in World War II, which is where he met the love of his life, Joyce, when performing with Bob Hope during the newly formed Special Services division when it was formed to keep up morale and entertain the troops. Bill and his lovely bride came to the west coast and moved to San Bernardino to be close to Joyce’s aunt who was working as a teacher in the quiet little town. Bill and Joyce never left and made this community their home for over 60 years. Bill first started working at local Harold’s, off Route 66 in Fontana, where he later moved to Industrial Asphalt where he served as Vice President. He later worked with CM Engineering and most recently was apart of the family of banks where he grew from Bank of San Bernardino. So many knew Bill, not from work, but his tireless smile and desire to help. He could be found at local chamber functions, community events and his tireless work as Emcee for events from roasts, to fundraisers across the Inland Empire. Bill served on the Board of Directors for such organizations as the St. Bernardine Medical Center Foundation, American Red Cross, Footprinters and National Orange Show as well as its NOS Foundation. His commitment to business partners and the community was also recognized when he was named California Governor’s Older Worker Award. Bill always lived with one goal in mind: to remembered as making sure there was always a laugh and a smile where ever he was. Bill is survived by his son Christopher and grandson’s Gregory and Daniel. A memorial Mass will be held Monday, October 15, 2007 at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, 2525 N. Arrowhead Ave., San Bernardino. A celebration of his life will follow at Arrowhead Country Club, 3433 N. Parkside Dr., San Bernardino.

WILLIAM E. COZZO

July 20, 1914 - October 9, 2007