Leonard John Kosup, 85, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, passed away on July 20, 2025, at Bellaire at Stone Port in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was born on Nov. 6, 1939, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the son of the late John Robert and Helen (Wisdosh) Kosup.
Mr. Kosup attended Redstone High School in Republic, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia University Forestry School in Morgantown.
He worked 32 years for the United States Forest Service. He first worked for the El Cariso Hot Shots in California doing fire suppression. Then, he continued working for USFS at Cleveland National Forest in Santa Ana, California, Lincoln National Forest in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, as a fire prevention specialist and Jefferson National Forest in Natural Bridge Station, Virginia, as a fire management and law enforcement officer. He retired in 1994 and became a full-time volunteer.
He was Catholic by birth. For 10 years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He did more volunteer work at Rockbridge Area Relief Association, winning a Volunteer of the Year award for Rockbridge County, Virginia, managed the Habitat Resale Store in Lexington, Virginia, with his wife, Carol, and Christian Assistance Food Pantry in Franklin, as well as other community volunteer services.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia (Garrow) Kosup. He is survived by his current wife, Carol Jean (Williams) Kosup.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind to cherish his memory two sisters, Emilie H. Kosup and Rosemary (Hvizdos) Kosup, both of San Diego, California; and a niece, Rachel Throesch of San Diego, California.
In honoring his wishes, his body has been cremated.
Memorials may be made to Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter, PO Box 804, Franklin, WV 26807 or to the charity of donor’s choice.
Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
