Lieutenant Colonel Peter Thomas Kozak was born on January 21, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026, at Stella Maris in Maryland.

Pete attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a proud percussionist in the Notre Dame Marching Band. Upon graduating in 1964, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Infantry. He completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Jumpmaster School before receiving his first assignment as a Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Pete's military service included three tours in Vietnam. His first deployment, in 1966, was with Special Detachment 5891, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). He returned to Vietnam in 1967 as Commanding Officer of Company A, 4th Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, known as the "Sky Soldiers."

Following his return to the United States, Pete attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the U.S. Army Language School. In April 1969, he returned to Vietnam for his third tour, serving as Commanding Officer of Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade, known as the "Redcatchers." On September 20, 1969, he was severely wounded during combat operations and spent the following seven months recovering from his injuries.

Upon returning to active duty, Pete was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," at Fort Myer, Virginia, where he served in several leadership positions, including Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. In 1974, he was assigned to the University of Delaware, where he earned a Master's Degree in Political Science, while serving as an Assistant Professor of Military Science in the ROTC program.

Promoted to Major in 1977, Pete was assigned to Germany as Battalion Executive Officer with the 2nd Armored Division. He subsequently held several key positions within the 7th Army Training Command in Grafenwöhr and Vilseck, Germany. Following his overseas tour, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia.

In 1981, after being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Pete was assigned to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he served as U.S. Army Garrison Commander, Troop Command, and held several senior staff positions with Army Materiel Command. He concluded more than 24 years of distinguished military service in November 1988, while serving as an Active-Duty Brigade Advisor to the 29th Infantry Division. His retirement ceremony was held at Fort Myer, Virginia, and was conducted by his beloved "Old Guard" of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel Kozak's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device for Valor and First Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Army Service Ribbon.

Outside of his military service, Pete was a devoted fan of Notre Dame football, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Baltimore Orioles. He remained active in music throughout his life as a proud member of both the Notre Dame Alumni Band and the Citizens’ Hose Company Band in Smyrna, Delaware. An avid reader, trivia enthusiast, and legendary grill master, Pete enjoyed sharing stories, laughter, and good meals with family and friends. He was known for his quick wit, remarkable depth of knowledge, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

A man of deep faith and service, Pete was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Hickory. His legacy of service, faith, family, generosity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered not only for his military accomplishments and leadership but also for the kindness, wisdom, humor, and steadfast devotion he brought to every aspect of his life.

Pete was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Charlotte Ann Kozak, and his parents, Paul Jr. and Margaret Kozak.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Colleen), John (Janis), and Mary Beth (Charles); his grandchildren, Kayla, Jake, Krista, Michael, Jillian, Jorden, Declan, and Sean; his brother, Paul (Jean); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who brought him immense pride and joy throughout his life.