Robert (Bob) Kodzis
Life Long Entrepreuner Who Courageously Faced Down Every Challenge That Life Threw at Him Until His Last Breath
After a long life filled with love and accomplishments, Robert (Bob) Kodzis, of Saugus passed away on September 28. He was 83 years old.
Bob was born January 25, 1940 to Mary (Ferrante) and Ronald Rose. He lost his father, Ronald, at the age of 8 and was lovingly adopted by his second father, John Kodzis at age 13.
Bob was a graduate of Saugus High school, Class of 1957. He fell in love with and married Joan Malcolm of Everett and enlisted in the coast guard shortly after high school. After two years of active duty he returned to Saugus to help raise his growing family.
But there was a burgeoning entrepreneur inside Bob Kodzis.
At age 28, he opened Kodzis Barber Shop in Saugus Center where he proceeded to cut the hair of every child and half the adults in Saugus. He built a great reputation among his customers and developed a loyal clientele.
Bob left the haircutting business when his friend Art Charleton introduced him to the Amway Corporation. It would become the professional love of his life and Bob would go on to become the 68th Diamond Direct Distributor in the history of the company. He developed a legendary reputation for his ability to inspire audiences and individuals. Some even reached out to him through social media during the last year of his life, to thank him for his support, leadership and inspiration…fifty years after he left the organization.
After Amway, Bob enjoyed a long and prosperous career as an executive at Manpower, Inc. before becoming a Realtor in New Hampshire.
Bob adored his family, quality brands, designer ties and tailored suits, his antique Cadillac, daily crossword puzzles and the sense of humor shared by his six children. He was a collector and sharer of clever words and profound quotes, and he knew more about Rolls Royce automobiles than almost anyone. Throughout his challenging life, Bob proved to be a very resilient human being. He survived many health emergencies, conquering cancer twice. He courageously faced down every challenge that life threw at him until his last breath.
Bob was dearly loved and will be so missed by his six children, fifteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. They include:
Daughter, Kim Harrington, her husband, Jim, granddaughters, Tara and Julia and grandson, Jimmy and his wife, Julia; great grandchildren, Devaughn and Bella, great grandson Brandon, his wife Kim and great-great granddaughter, Adeline.
Daughter, Joni Furey, her husband, Mike, and grandsons, Michael and Tyler and grandson, Derek, his wife, Christine and great granddaughter, Zara.
Son, Bob Kodzis Jr., his wife, Patti, grandchild, Devon and husband, Nick and grandson, Sam.
Daughter, Jayne LaFay, her husband, Joe, granddaughter, Gracie and grandson, Robert.
Son, John Kodzis, his wife, Heather, granddaughter, Ruby and grandsons, Johnny and Nicholas
Daughter, Vikki DiCredico, her husband, Kenny and grandsons, Kody and Kyle
Donations may be made in Bob’s honor to the USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation in Gilbert Arizona. USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation.org
At his request, no public services will be held for Bob Kodzis. But his family will celebrate him together in a way that will make Bob laugh and feel their love.