A man of integrity, who was known for loyalty to Lord, family and friends, Charles Gerard Cozette, 67, died suddenly on Dec. 11, 2025. The youngest of three boys, he was born in 1958 and grew up in Oak Brook. Playing any sport at every opportunity, he was a 1976 graduate of Hinsdale Central High School, where he earned the starting right fullback position on the soccer team that won the 1975 state championship.
In 1980, he completed his studies at Missouri University’s School of Journalism and later earned a Master of Communications degree from Wheaton College in 1987. Sports continued to be a significant part of his life — he ran a marathon, participated in several triathlons and played competitive basketball for decades.
Following college, he took an extended European trip, and wrote a story about his travels, which was published by the Chicago Tribune.
Chuck and Jennifer Clark met, fell in love and married on Jan. 30, 1988. It was the money he earned as a youngster mowing lawns every summer, which he saved and invested, that provided the down payment for their first home in Oak Park.
They raised four daughters, and the household always included at least two or three dogs, a few of which were strays in need of a home. Coming from a family of boys, he never knew what girls did until he got to high school, but he was a devoted dad of girls. One of his great joys was teaching his daughters all about sports and serving as their coach on countless girls soccer, basketball and softball teams over the years.
In 1994, he became a business owner, publishing a magazine for the western suburbs of Chicago called West Suburban Living. Every issue for 30 years always included a Bible verse.
Chuck often quoted Luke 12:48b “From everyone who has been given much, shall much be required.” This was a guiding principle of his life. He had a heart full of gratitude, which was the impetus for living a life that served others.
