Joseph P. Kosloski

Joseph P. Kosloski – Ridley Park, PA

Born April 15, 1938, Joe passed away unexpectedly at home on July 3, 2025. Born in New York, NY, his family moved to the Philadelphia area while he was an infant. He spent much of his childhood between Philadelphia, New Jersey and Delaware County. Joe graduated from the Dobbins Technical High School in Philadelphia. While at Dobbins, Joe was active in the school community including the Weather Club, and the Committee of Seven, which oversaw the charitable work of various schools clubs.

Joe spent a lot of time at the Jersey Shore where he found many opportunities to spend time on the water. One of his early jobs was providing water skiing lessons, which turned into a very successful adventure for him. Little did he know how valuable his abilities to teach would help him later in life.

At a young age, Joe found his first love, flying. He was able to take flying lessons at Pittman Airport, which is where he accomplished his first solo flight at the age of 20. Joe spent much of his life dedicated to being a pilot. Joe was never afraid to take on new opportunities and did everything with honesty and integrity.

Joe briefly served in the US Army, and then the reserves. During this time, he received the recognition of an Expert Marksmen and he was trained as a Medic. While stationed in Texas, his pilot’s license gave him the opportunity to explore many airports and types of aircraft of which he kept countless records.

Following his military service, he began his career as a professional pilot at Atlantic Aviation where he would meet his future wife, Alice. His dedication to advancing in his profession would drive him to obtain additional ratings, advancing from Private, to Commercial, and lastly the highest rating of Airline Transport Pilot. During his career, he flew many types of aircrafts including Hawkers, King Airs, Lear Jets, and finally Challengers. As if that was not enough, Joe even obtained his sailplane license just to try something new. He found the quiet solitude of glidering with the hawks and eagles very therapeutic and peaceful.

One of Joe’s endearing qualities was his ability to teach. Early in his career, he worked as a Certified Flight Instructor. Additionally, he spent several years at Flight Safety International teaching as a Ground and Simulation Instructor. Joe’s work and dedication in the aviation industry earned him the Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award for Fifty Years of service in Aviation Safety as presented by the FAA.

His career included working for several major corporations and private foundations while serving as their Chief Pilot and Flight Department Manager. Joseph was lucky enough to travel the world, sending postcards and returning with trinkets from his travels. On many occasions, he took his family along for the ride. He knew he was fortunate that he was able to have experienced so much of the world because of his career.

Outside of being a Pilot, Joe also enjoyed boating and he and his family spent much time in Maryland relaxing on the various boats he owned through the years. His knowledge of boats allowed him to work as a yacht broker on the side. Some of his greatest joys were taking Kim, his family, and grandchildren out on his boat.

After retiring from his professional pilot career, he was happy to spend time flying in his Bonanza. He was a member of the AOPA-Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for over 50 years, the American Bonanza Society, Brandywine Soaring Association, and the Soaring Society of America. Joe liked to fly places, just because he could. Day flights to the Outer Banks, to take a walk on the beach, or to Ocean City with the grandkids to get pizza and play a round of miniature golf was a common occurrence.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Kimberly Tyrrell (Preston), his grandchildren, Avery and Alex Tyrrell. His brother Francis “Teddy” Koslowsky (Linda), and sister Patricia Burns (the late Thomas). Joe had many nieces and nephews, including Cindy Walsh (née Cahill) and Cheri Wren (née Cahill), of whom he spent much time with. Joseph was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph Jr, his Wife Alice (née Kellner) Kosloski, his mother Ann “Ginger” Koslowsky, his nephew Peter Koslowsky, and most recently his sister Joan K. Adams.

Services are at the convenience of the family, Interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.