Obituary of Richard Clark Kozlik, Jr.

Richard Clark Kozlik Jr. was born February 4th, 1998 and passed away on October 5, 2025. He was 27 years old.

He lived at home with his loving family until November 30 th , 2012 when he moved to the Matheny School & Hospital. While residing at Matheny, he attended the Matheny School and graduated in 2019. Post-graduation, he was an active participant in the Adult Services Program at the hospital.

Throughout the years, Richard was known for his mischievous wry smile, his absolute love for Maury Povich, his seemingly endless ability to dismantle any piece of equipment, and his wonderful sense of humor. Richard particularly enjoyed being part of the Pranksters Group where he could show his trickster personality. His love for social interactions and large celebrations that brought his Matheny family together, made him the bright light of Yellow Zone. Everyone who walked by knew him and would greet him with a fist bump, high five, or hand shake.

In the nearly 13 years Richard had been at Matheny, he participated in countless events, programs, activities, and trips. He was a member of the Special Olympics Track & Field team as well as an avid painter in the Arts Access program. While often quiet and reflective, it was evident that he cared deeply for his peers, staff that cared for him, and especially his family. He would confide in his staff members he trusted the most to ask about his family and friends. There
was no chore on Yellow Zone that Richard didn’t do. Even with his mischievous smile, he would lend a helping hand and care for everyone.

Richard is already deeply missed by his family and his many friends at Matheny. While his absence is difficult to cope with, those who know him and the love he had for his mom, can be comforted knowing he will be laid to rest with her at Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth.

Visitation will be held from 1-3pm on Thursday, October 9th at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack, with a funeral service starting at 2:30 pm.  Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park in Kenilworth on Friday, October 10th at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's memory may be made to Matheny.