Frank Kokoska, 73, a 48-year resident of Redding, and an active member of that community, died November 29, surrounded by his family and people he loved and who loved him.

His wife, Elaine; two sons, Steven Kokoska, and his wife Mary, of Newtown and Matthew Kokoska, and his wife Heidi, and granddaughter Calli Kokoska, of Southington; eight brothers and sisters, and their spouses, Fran Johnson, Dorothy and Richard Bellefeuille, Patty and Robert Palmer, John and Joan Kokoska, Maryann and Greg Belta, Rose Corr, Carol Kokoska, and Thomas and Suzie Kokoska; numerous cousins, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and godchildren survive Mr Kokoska. His mother and father, Rose and Francis Kokoska, predeceased him.

He was a simple man who loved working with his hands, loved working with wood, and was a man of the earth. He had so many stories to tell about wood lore and nature that he could entertain for hours.

He graduated from Staples High School in 1959. His favorite subjects were shop and automotive, and he was adept at both. It took him five years after graduation to work his way through the journeyman level of carpentry, working for W. Punzelt of Westport, to achieve full status of “carpenter.” Moving along after Mr Punzelt, Frank worked for Charles Griffith of Westport, until December 1968, when Frank and his wife began building their home in Redding. In his early 20s, he also graduated from Bullard-Tech in Bridgeport, having taken numerous courses preparatory to eventually achieving his ultimate dream, to have his own carpentry business. This was achieved in 1970 when he began The Country Craftsman. He later achieved status as a master carpenter, a true old-fashioned Yankee New England craftsman.

Mr Kokoska belonged to the Redding Jaycees for many years, at one point serving was president. He was always willing to throw himself into any worthy organization that could bring joy or a helping hand to those in need. While his sons were young and active in school sports, he sponsored their teams through the Boys & Girls Club of Redding.

He was a very active lifetime member of the West Redding Fire Department and could always be found either in the kitchen, cooking, or elsewhere about the department lending a helping hand during any activity the fire department had going on. For 20 years he served his department as treasurer and was also a fire commissioner for District 2 in Redding for periods of time.

This kind man belonged to many fishing and hunting groups, always with the thought in mind that he was part of the earth. He was respectful of rivers, streams, and lakes and never took the life of any animal out of cruelty or perverseness. A few of the groups he belonged to were the Stamford Fish and Game, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Bridgewater Fish and Game, The Rainbow Club, Salt Water Sports, and Pootatuck Archery.

Mr Kokoska also volunteered and worked for the Town of Redding for 26 years, and served as chairman of the Redding Board of Tax Review and Appeal for many years.

He also donated his time and carpentry to those folks who were in need. He was generous with his woodworking skills and always helped out where he could.

As part of his dedication to nature and love of all things beautiful surrounding him, Mr Kokoska joined the Candlewood Camera Club of Danbury. The house soon filled up with hundreds of envelopes of pictures, slides of nature, and eventually handmade frames to display his photographic artistry. He exhibited his work at various photography club venues and over time consistently won first or second place for his creative photos of nature.

Mr Kokoska was a dedicated family man who loved his rather large family of brothers and sisters and his own two children and their families. He was especially proud and loving of his one and only granddaughter, who was the apple of his eye.

There will be a wake Friday, December 5, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Bouton Funeral Home, 31 West Church Street in Georgetown/Wilton. A High Mass will be said on Saturday, December 6, at 10 am, from St Patrick’s Church, 169 Black Rock Turnpike (Route 58). Immediately after, there will be a celebratory brunch. Friends and family are invited to attend.

Flowers may be sent to Bouton Funeral Home or donations sent to the West Redding Fire Department, 306 Umpawaug Road, Redding CT 06896, or the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.