Robert Lee Kozak

Robert Lee Kozak, 71, of Ansonia, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

He was born on July 20, 1951, in Nebraska, to the late George and Lodema (Hester) Kozak.

Robert is survived by his wife of 40 years, Amy (Strosnider) Kozak, whom he married on August 4, 1982; his children, Tech Sergeant Keith (Valerie) Kozak, stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, Kimberly Kozak of Ansonia, Ohio, and Lee (Ashley) Kozak of Greenville; his grandchildren, Cameron, Chloe, Haylee, Sophie, and Riley; and numerous other extended family members.

Robert was a graduate of Trenton High School in Nebraska. He then attended college for Auto Body Repair in Colorado. Robert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974 during the end of the Vietnam War. Early in his Naval career, Robert spent several years serving on the flight deck of the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier where he traveled through the Mediterranean region. He then was stationed in Japan where he was an aircraft structural mechanic and met his wife of 40 years. After returning to the US, Robert was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia, where he was an air crewman. He then volunteered to return to the Middle East to serve as a VIP crewman serving several dignitaries during the Gulf War. In 1994 after 20 years of service, Robert concluded his service in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Naval Air Logistic Office as E6 First Class Petty Officer.

After his retirement, Robert enjoyed going down to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton to take in the sights and sounds of the various planes, while visiting with both retired and active military personnel. He also liked going to the firing range, spoiling his grandchildren, and keeping up to date with current events. Robert was a member of the American Legion and the National Rifle Association.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus, with Pastor Eric Knight officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Teegarden Cemetery.

Guests may visit with Robert's family on Wednesday from 12:00 PM until the start of the service at 2:00 PM.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Teegarden Congregational Christian Church.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.tributefuneralhomes.com.