Sam Coso

SAM COSO, age 91; beloved husband for 69 years of Dorothy (nee Malakar); loving father of Georgine Welo (husband Carter), Tijana Coso (husband Jim Horvath), Mark Coso (wife Mitzi) and Matthew Coso; devoted grandfather of Nicole, Carter Jr. and Miles Welo, Stefan, Milan, Natalie and Neven Zelich Jr., Derek and Dean Coso, Sam, Leah and Haley Coso, Elayna Horvath and great-grandfather of 10; cherished son of the late Nikola and Pera (nee Cupach); dearest brother of the late Stana, Mike, Nick, Steve and Mary; dear uncle, brother-in-law, Kum, and friend of many.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 9, 1935, Sam was a proud graduate of East High School whose life was defined by dedication, service, and a deep love for people. Demonstrating a tireless work ethic, he spent 12 years taking night classes to earn both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education from Cleveland State University - all while balancing work as a mail carrier and spending summers working at a local nursery and landscape company, and being a loving husband and father to his family.

Sam channeled that perseverance into a long, rewarding career as a teacher in the Mayfield School District. He was the kind of educator students never forgot, and he even generously shared his expertise by teaching English as a second language to many through the Euclid School District.

For more than 50 years, Sam and his beloved wife, Dorothy, made their home in Willoughby Hills, sharing a devotion that was truly the centerpiece of their lives. Sam genuinely loved people; getting to know others and learning their stories was his favorite hobby. An avid sports player for many years, he also possessed a rich appreciation for music, finding joy in everything from Frank Sinatra and John Denver to opera and traditional Serbian songs.

Sam was deeply rooted in his Serbian heritage and culture. He was a founding member and officer of the "Kosovo" Serbian Men's Choir and a proud, steadfast supporter of the Serbian Cultural Garden in Cleveland's Rockefeller Park. His faith was equally central to his life. As an ordained leader in the Serbian Orthodox Church, Sam sang in the church choir, mentored the altar servers, and offered his help in every possible capacity. Above all religious traditions, he treasured celebrating Slava, his family's Patron Saint Day.

Sam will be remembered as a devoted educator, a loving father, and a warm, constant friend to all who knew him. His memory will be dearly cherished.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested in memory of Sam to the Serbian Cultural Memorial Garden, P.O. Box 91896, Cleveland, OH 44101 or Reserve Care Hospice, Huntington Bank, P.O. Box 72700, Cleveland OH 44192.

Funeral Services Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10 AM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Burial following at Whitehaven Memorial Park. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Sam at DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 2-4 and 5-8 PM. POMEN at 7 PM.