Staff
Staff
Yuri Kozij
Funeral Director / Embalmer / Owner
With compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving families during life’s most difficult moments, Yuri Kozij, a first-generation funeral director has dedicated his career to helping others honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Yuri has served the community for over 7 years in the Cleveland area and 10 years in the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area with dignity, care, and personal attention. Known for his calm presence, attention to detail, and thoughtful guidance, he works closely with each family to create meaningful services that reflect the unique life and legacy of those being remembered.
During his time in the DMV area, Yuri was honored to have the opportunity and experience to have worked on many high-profile dignitary and military funerals. He also earned much of his experience by working for many different funeral homes both corporate and family owned where he learned many different religious funeral rituals and traditions. Born in Ukraine, Yuri is a Parma, Ohio native where he grew up embracing his Ukrainian culture and heritage and continues to be passionately involved in his Ukrainian community.
Yuri Kozij graduated from Community College of Baltimore County Mortuary School where he earned his Associate of Science degree. He also attended Grand Canyon University where he earned his Bachelor of Business Management. Yuri is a member of organizations such as the National Funeral Directors Association and Ohio Funeral Directors Association. He remains committed to continuing education and staying current with the evolving needs of the families they serve.
Outside of the funeral home, Yuri enjoys golfing, traveling, exercising, great outdoors, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys volunteering in the community and supporting local organizations and churches. His greatest honor is earning the trust of families and providing comfort, guidance, and care when it matters most.
Yuri Kozij
Funeral Director / Embalmer / Owner
With compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to serving families during life’s most difficult moments, Yuri Kozij, a first-generation funeral director has dedicated his career to helping others honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones.
A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Yuri has served the community for over 7 years in the Cleveland area and 10 years in the Washington DC/Maryland/Virginia area with dignity, care, and personal attention. Known for his calm presence, attention to detail, and thoughtful guidance, he works closely with each family to create meaningful services that reflect the unique life and legacy of those being remembered.
During his time in the DMV area, Yuri was honored to have the opportunity and experience to have worked on many high-profile dignitary and military funerals. He also earned much of his experience by working for many different funeral homes both corporate and family owned where he learned many different religious funeral rituals and traditions. Born in Ukraine, Yuri is a Parma, Ohio native where he grew up embracing his Ukrainian culture and heritage and continues to be passionately involved in his Ukrainian community.
Yuri Kozij graduated from Community College of Baltimore County Mortuary School where he earned his Associate of Science degree. He also attended Grand Canyon University where he earned his Bachelor of Business Management. Yuri is a member of organizations such as the National Funeral Directors Association and Ohio Funeral Directors Association. He remains committed to continuing education and staying current with the evolving needs of the families they serve.
Outside of the funeral home, Yuri enjoys golfing, traveling, exercising, great outdoors, and most importantly spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys volunteering in the community and supporting local organizations and churches. His greatest honor is earning the trust of families and providing comfort, guidance, and care when it matters most.
Thomas Fortuna
Accounts Manager
Tom, a Parma native, began his education at St. Josaphat and continued through St. Francis de Sales Grade School and Hillside Junior High before graduating from Parma Senior High School in 1969. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War with the 1/22nd Infantry Mortar Division.
In the fall of 2000, Tom joined Kolodiy-Lazuta Funeral Home, where he has been a valued member of the team for over two decades. Throughout his tenure, he has fulfilled a variety of roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving families with care and compassion.
Tom has a daughter who resides in Mentor, Ohio, and a son living in Port Charlotte, Florida. He is also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Currently residing in Olmsted Township, Ohio, Tom is semi-retired but remains an active and appreciated part of the Kozij-Lazuta Funeral Home staff.
Thomas Fortuna
Accounts Manager
Tom, a Parma native, began his education at St. Josaphat and continued through St. Francis de Sales Grade School and Hillside Junior High before graduating from Parma Senior High School in 1969. He is a proud veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Vietnam War with the 1/22nd Infantry Mortar Division.
In the fall of 2000, Tom joined Kolodiy-Lazuta Funeral Home, where he has been a valued member of the team for over two decades. Throughout his tenure, he has fulfilled a variety of roles, demonstrating a strong commitment to serving families with care and compassion.
Tom has a daughter who resides in Mentor, Ohio, and a son living in Port Charlotte, Florida. He is also the proud grandfather of three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Currently residing in Olmsted Township, Ohio, Tom is semi-retired but remains an active and appreciated part of the Kozij-Lazuta Funeral Home staff.
Oksana Kozij
Funeral Associate
Oksana Kozij
Funeral Associate
Antonio Barile
Funeral Associate
Antonio Barile
Funeral Associate
