William Kossbiel

     William Frederick "Ridgway" Kossbiel, 71, died unexpectedly at his home in Erie on Sunday, February 22, 2015.  He was born September 16, 1943, in Erie, son of the late Theodore and Dagmar Raun Kossbiel.  A 1961 graduate of Strong Vincent High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served on the U.S.S. Saratoga during the Vietnam War.  He earned a Culinary Arts Degree in Erie.  He was the lead singer and song writer for the band Legacy and produced several albums.  He had also worked as a disc jockey at various radio stations both in Erie and in Nashville, TN.      
     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, George Kossbiel, and his companion, Sally Sue Zmijewski.
     Survivors include four sons, William SanFelice (Lisa) of Covington, GA, Christian and Corey Kossbiel of Erie, and Jeremy Kossbiel (Melissa) of England; five daughters, Melissa Klie (Thomas), Allison, Emily and Carole Lynn Kossbiel, and Magdalena Watson (Robert), all of Erie; six grandsons, Jose and Michael Lopez, Scott Horne, Anthony Klie, Robert Watson and Collin SanFelice; two granddaughters, Susana Lopez and Vanessa Watson; and several nieces and nephews.
     The family will receive friends Friday from 9 a.m. until the time of a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Peter Cathedral. Inurnment will be at Laurel Hill Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and VFW Billy Simpson Post 470.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Scott Funeral Home, 2104 Myrtle Street.