Phillip Matthew Cozzie peacefully went home to God on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, surrounded by his daughters. He was born and raised in Aguilar, Colorado, and was a resident of Widefield, Colorado, for over 60 years.
Phil was born in Aguilar, Colorado, on May 1, 1940, to Phillip B. Cozzie and Mary (Javernik) Cozzie. He graduated from Aguilar High School, Western State University in 1961 with a B. A., and the University of Utah in 1965 with an M.A. He received his administrative certificate from CU Boulder.
Phil dedicated his life to education – he was a teacher through and through. He began his career teaching math in Swink, CO, where he met his soul mate, Helen Schneider. They were married in 1963 and they settled in Widefield, CO, where he spent the rest of his career, first as at teacher at Sproul Junior High, assistant principal and principal at Sproul, principal at Janitell Junior High, principal at Talbott Elementary, and finally assistant superintendent of the school district. He retired in 1994 and became a full-time grandpa.
His trademark phrase was “stop and smell the roses.” He believed in reminding people to always look for the good things in life. He worked tirelessly to learn people’s names right away, learn their stories, and make them feel special.
The family he built with Helen in their over 60 years of marriage was his greatest joy. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family.
Phil is survived by his two daughters, Beth (Dennis) Neal and Cyndi (Dustin) Haworth; three grandchildren: Zach (Sarah) Neal, Grace (Chad) Hovasse, Sarabeth (Steve) Gandara; three great-grandchildren: Mason Gandara, Miles Gandara, and Crew Hovasse; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many dear friends.
Phil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen; his parents, Phillip and Mary; and his siblings: Charlie Cozzie, Josephine Malovich, and Barbara Dosen.
A memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, November 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9 El Pomar Road, Colorado Springs. There will be a rosary before mass, and a lunch reception following.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Melody Living and Sunny Vista Living Center for their unwavering support and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Phil’s name to Fountain Valley Scholars, supporting students in Widefield School District 3: https://widefield.revtrak.net/fountain-valley-scholars/#/v/Donations-67.