John Charles Koski, Jr.

August 18, 1940 - May 27, 2026

John Charles Koski, Jr.

John Charles Koski Jr., 85, of Durham, NC, passed away on May 27, 2026. He was born at French Hospital in New York, NY on August 18,1940, and was the son of the late John and Helen Koski.

John went to high school in Manhattan, New York. He excelled at baseball all through his youth and high school and signed a major league contract to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies AAA team in Florida. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Melendez on March 19, 1960 followed by two years with MLB baseball.

They moved from NYC to Lyndhurst, New Jersey and John was hired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and worked his entire career there, finishing as a supervising department technician for Modern Art then retiring after 41 years in 2002.

John was a diehard NY Yankees & Minnesota Vikings Fan. His love of the outdoors took him to upstate NY for hunting, camping & fishing and always included hourly weather updates.

John also enjoyed many decades accompanying Judy to her Tango classes where they met so many amazing people who became lifetime friends.

After Covid, John, Judy, Judilyn and Johnny moved to a 55 and over community in Durham NC to be closer to their family.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 64 years Judy Melendez, by his sister Joan Koski and brother Robert Koski of Manhattan, New York. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Koski of New Jersey, Linda Koski Kuzy (son in law Rob Kuzy) of Raleigh, NC, and Judilyn Koski of Durham, NC; grandchildren John M. Koski of Durham NC, Alexander Kuzy of New York, NY, and Mackenzie Kuzy of Durham, NC.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and a Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 PM on Thursday June 4th, 2026, at Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615. Family and friends are also welcome to a gathering immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of John Koski to St. Jude’s.

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The Kirsch Family planted 10 trees in memory of John Charles Koski, Jr. . - June 04, 2026

Plant trees for John Charles Koski, Jr.
Christina Melendez sent Serene Lily Basket for John Charles Koski, Jr. - June 03, 2026

Uncle John was one of a kind. He will be missed beyond words. Grateful to have been a part of his life, He will always be loved and remembered. With love and sympathy, Christina and Guadalupe Melendez
Christina and Guadalupe Melendez planted 5 trees in memory of John Charles Koski, Jr. . - June 03, 2026

Uncle John was one of a kind. He will be missed beyond words. Grateful to have been a part of his life, He will always be loved and remembered. With love and sympathy, Christina and Guadalupe Melendez
Lynda Testen sent Serene Lily Basket for John Charles Koski, Jr. - June 02, 2026

Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Mike, Lyn and Family

Condolences

June 26, 2026

Bernie Consalvo

I knew John as "Big John" he would come to Ray's Place and we would play pool, and talk about sports John was one of the nicest guys I had the pleasure to know May he rest in peace 🙏
June 03, 2026

Bernie Consalvo

So sorry for your loss 🙏 I remember playing pool with ur dad at Ray's place Ur dad was a true gentleman May he RIP 🙏
June 02, 2026

Nicole Gunning

Deepest condolences for your loss. A great long life lived ... but never long enough for those still living. My heart aches for you at this time.