His sculptures can be found in many churches, convents and homes in the Archdiocese of Detroit and beyond. He worked in metal and in wood, and his pieces range from large crucifixes in churches to small pieces that can sit on a coffee table or mantelpiece.
Fr. Edward Scheuerman, who had known him since seminary days, said Fr. Kosicki was a good friend and a very spiritual priest.
“He was a very learned priest, and he loved to discuss theology. And whenever you visited him, he’d insist you stayed to say morning prayer or evening prayer or celebrate Mass with him,” Fr. Scheuerman said.
Another longtime friend, Fr. Jack Fabian, said Fr. Kosicki had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother and championed the Stations of the Cross devotions.
Mercy Sr. Cheryl Phillips an artist herself, said Fr. Kosicki, who was initially known primarily for metal sculptures, made the tabernacles in many Mercy convent chapels.
Hugh and Delores Bohle, members of St. Lucy Parish in St. Clair Shores, have strong memories of Fr. Kosicki’s time as their pastor, and they have acquired several of his sculptural pieces over the years.
Delores Bohle recalled Fr. Kosicki’s “powerful, powerful sermons,” which he used to employ various visual aids to supplement his message.
Sr. Mary Finn, HVM, who worked with Fr. Kosicki in the archdiocesan Delegate for Religious Office, called him “one of the great holy men of Vatican II.”
Fr. Kosicki died Sept. 19.
He was born July 3, 1925 in Detroit to Witold and Catherine Kosicki.
He studied for the priesthood at Sacred Heart Seminary College, Detroit, and SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake; and pursued post-graduate studies at the University of Detroit, Creighton University in Nebraska, and the North American College in Rome, and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
He was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 1950.
Fr. Kosicki served as an assistant pastor at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish, Detroit (1950-55); Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Grosse Pointe Woods (1955); St. Anne Parish, Warren (1955-59); St. Christopher Parish, Detroit (1959); and Our Lady Queen of Apostles Parish, Hamtramck (1959-60).
He was assistant pastor of St. Albertus Parish, Detroit (1963-64). He was chaplain to St. Francis Hospital, Hamtramck, in 1964.
Fr. Kosicki served as assistant pastor at St. Hyacinth Parish, Detroit (1965-66), and was assistant to the archdiocesan vicar for religious in 1966. In 1971 he was archdiocesan delegate to charismatic groups.
In 1976 he was pastor of Sweetest Heart of Mary Parish, Detroit, and later of St. Ladislaus Pastor, Hamtramck (1981-82). Fr. Kosicki was named pastor of St. Lucy Parish, St. Clair Shores, and served there until being granted senior priest status in 1997. During the 1990s he also served on the archdiocesan Presbyteral Council.
He is survived by a brother, Fr. George Kosicki, CSB, of Paradise, Mich., 11 nieces and nephews, and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Sept. 25 by Archbishop Allen Vigneron at St. Lucy Church, St. Clair Shores. Burial was in Paradise.
Condolences may be sent to Mr. Thomas Wililko at 53568 Beechwood Drive, Shelby Township 48316. Memorials to Companions of Christ the Lamb, P.O. Box 12, Paradise 49768.
