Melanie Jae (Gertcher) Kozak

MELANIE JAE (nee GERTCHER) KOZAK, 48, of Clifton died unexpectedly on Friday, August 2, 2024 at home.

Born in Paterson, NJ, Melanie resided in Elmwood Park, graduating from Elmwood Park High School before furthering her education and earning a BA degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey. She resided in Clifton since her marriage to Jason W. Kozak, in 2010. Melanie was a dog mom to Hachi, Yeti and Sushi. Her heart overflowed with love for all dogs, and she was known for rescuing strays, advocating for animal welfare, and donating to animal charities.

Melanie’s spirit will be carried on by the countless lives she touched through her love for dogs. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and kindness that will continue to inspire others to cherish the human-animal bond. In addition to her love of dogs, Melanie was a talented crafter who enjoyed making home décor for herself and others.

Melanie was predeceased by her mother, Suzanne (nee Sperling) Aubele.

In addition to her husband, Jason, Melanie is survived by her sister, Amanda DaSilva and her husband, Dave of Haskell and their two sons, David and Michael; her brother, Henry Gertcher and his wife, Rebekha of Minneapolis, MN and their daughters, Zoey and Emma; her mother-in-law, Joan Kozak of Clifton and her uncle, George Koski of Clifton.

Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 515 Lexington Ave., Clifton with a funeral service during visitation. On Wednesday, there will be a departing prayer at 11:30 at the funeral home followed by a committal at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum in Paterson. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Pulmonary Hypertension Association, 1121 14th Street, NW, Suite 150, Washington, DC 20005 (phassociation.org) or The Animal Rescue Site (theanimalrescuesite.com)

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