Liam Kosciolek

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Liam Simon Kosciolek of Phoenix, Arizona, who tragically passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the age of 20. Liam, born on March 17, 2004, in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the beloved son of Adam and Mirella Kosciolek (nee DeCristofaro) and the dearest brother of Damian Kosciolek.

Liam is the beloved grandchild of Anna and the late Stefan Kosciolek, Antonietta DeCristofaro Popijac and her husband Ivan, the late Pasquale DeCristofaro and his wife Cristina. Liam is the cherished nephew of Emily Radecki, Maryann and Jerry Zawojski, Linda and Michael Wall, Peter and Julia Kosciolek, and the late Peter DeCristofaro. Liam also leaves behind cherished cousins Ashley, Michael, Matthew, Ryan, Stefan, Olesh, Victoria, Taras, Jenna, and Havrylko. 

Liam was a faithful parishioner of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne RC Church, Anthem, Arizona, where he also volunteered his time at special events. Liam participated in Ukrainian-American Youth Association activities and summer camp programs where he formed life-long friendships in Phoenix, Arizona; Ellenville, New York and the tri-state area. 

Liam’s well-rounded education includes religious, traditional and classical academics administered in his early years by Our Lady of Joy RC Church, Rancho Solano Academy, Candeo Schools, Valley Academy, and Great Hearts Archway and Preparatory Academies. As a youth, Liam’s extracurricular activities included T-ball, gymnastics, swimming, track & field, soccer and football. 

Liam was a graduate of Boulder Creek High School, Anthem, Arizona, where he completed an engineering program before setting his sights on a career in construction. He was actively pursuing a degree in construction management while building his professional journey as a Construction Apprentice with Macho Contracting. Liam was lovingly embraced by his Macho family and started each day always excited to learn and grow on new job sites. Liam worked part-time as an ISSA-Certified Personal Trainer at Mountainside Fitness as well, where he developed strong relationships with each of his clients. 

Liam loved spending time with his family, close friends, and most especially with his girlfriend, Sydney. Together, they shared his passion for the outdoors and nature by hiking, camping, and taking in starry nights. Liam had many passions including working out, car and motorcycle maintenance and restoration, designing audio systems, desert landscape photography, water sports, snowboarding, skateboarding, cooking, and simply spending time laughing and goofing around with family and friends. 

Liam would always lend a helping hand to anyone in need and extend a compliment to brighten someone’s day. He was the embodiment of pure love and kindness. He was unwavering in his desire to share it with others, and had a gift for recognizing those who needed it most. Liam brought sunshine to everyone who was blessed to know him. 

Liam’s free spirit, kind heart, bright eyes and beautiful smile will never be forgotten. Indelible in our hearts are memories of deep love and joy from Liam’s life. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to any of the following charitable organizations, or any charity of your choice, in Liam’s name. 

• Desert Botanical Garden, https://dbg.org/
• Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, https://www.sonorandesert.org/
• McDowell Sonoran Land Conservancy, https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/
• Ukrainian-American Youth Association (UAYA), please make checks payable to UAYA. (Proceeds will be distributed between Arizona, New Jersey & New York by Liam’s parents.)
• Associazione Italiana Ieri Oggi Domani Inc., PO Box 262, Rutherford, NJ 07070