RADM William P. Kozlovsky

Rear Admiral William P. Kozlovsky (Bill) passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, prayer and music on May 11, 2025 in San Jose, California. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret (Kennedy) Kozlovsky, father William A. Kozlovsky, brothers James F. Kozlovsky and Thomas A Kozlovsky, and wife, Yvonne (Huot) Kozlovsky. He is survived by children and their spouses Susan Kozlovsky Husk and Mike Husk, Bill Kozlovsky and Ann Ducharme Kozlovsky, Patricia Kozlovsky and Paul Martin, Janette (Kozlovsky) Blee and Robert Blee, and Kaela Kozlovsky Bernal and Mark Bernal; grandchildren Kirsten Kozlovsky Abercrombie, Karen Kozlovsky, Christina Kozlovsky, John Blee, Shannon Blee, Mary Blee, Aidan Bernal, Declan Bernal; and great grandson, Edward Abercrombie.

Bill was born in Antigo, Wisconsin to Wiliam A. Kozlovsky and Margaret (Kennedy) Kozlovsky, the oldest of five children. Early in his childhood, the family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin where Bill’s father worked for the National Biscuit Company (now Nabisco) and his mother was a school teacher. Bill graduated from Wausau High School and received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy. At the Academy, he became the Battalion Commander of the Corps of Cadets and graduated first in his class in 1954, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and a commission as Ensign in the United States Coast Guard.

Upon graduation from the Coast Guard Academy, he was stationed on the USCG Cutter Gresham (WAVP-387) at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California where he met and started dating his beloved wife, Teri. After getting married, Teri and Bill spent more than 32 years experiencing many adventures with the Coast Guard as they moved 19 times all over the United States.

Bill attended U.S. Navy Flight Schools in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas where he received his wings as a Naval Aviator and Coast Guard Aviator. Following several assignments as a Coast Guard search and rescue pilot, he was selected to attend the Krannert Graduate School of Management at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. He received a Master of Science degree in Industrial Administration, graduating with top honors, first in his class and was designated the first Krannert scholar.

After numerous flying and aviation engineering assignments including Executive Officer of the USCG Aircraft Repair and Supply Center, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Commanding Officer of the USCG Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, Bill was selected for additional graduate study at the U.S. Air Force Air War College. He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral and served as Comptroller of the U.S. Coast Guard for seven years. His career culminated in being selected as 14th District Commander in Honolulu, Hawaii where he served for three years, responsible for all USCG missions throughout more than 18 million square miles of the Pacific.

Hawaii was one of Bill’s favorite places and, after retiring from the Coast Guard, Bill wanted to contribute to causes near and dear to his heart on the beautiful island of Oahu. He became Chief Financial Officer of Aloha United Way, then became CEO of the Hawaii Maritime Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. When he and Teri moved to California to support their kids and grandkids, he became the Executive Director of the Hiller Aviation Museum. At Hiller, he thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to educate the public and share his love of aviation and the Coast Guard, also hosting an annual air show that continues to this day.

Bill was an amazing husband and father. He loved Teri deeply during their 66 years on this earth together and did everything he could to make her and the family happy. His wife, kids and grandkids were the lights of his life. During every move he ensured that his family was taken care of, confirmed that his kids were in the right schools and supported his kids in all their extracurricular activities. He not only attended horse shows, swim meets, piano recitals, dance recitals, choir concerts, and sporting events, but he also participated by coaching, announcing 4-H horse shows, and whatever else he could do to help and cheer on his kids. He continued this tradition with his eight grandchildren, and he and Teri attended every event they could possibly attend.

Bill was a man of great personal faith in the Almighty and his first activity during every move was finding the closest Catholic Church. He and Teri would immediately volunteer to help in whatever way needed, joining various altar societies, becoming lectors, lay eucharistic minister and sacristans. Bill and Teri joined St. Francis of Assisi in San Jose when Masses were still being held in the Mt. Hamilton Grange Hall. He volunteered to work on the finance committee and helped Monsignor John Sandersfeld build the beautiful chapel that the St. Francis of Assisi parish uses today.

Bill was a strong, positive presence in the lives of many. He was a straight shooter who told it like it was and always believed in doing the right thing. He stood up for his crew, whether that was his family, friends, the Coast Guard or any organizations to which he belonged. He expected a lot from people because he felt that everyone had something to contribute and that people gave their best effort if you supported them and cared about them.

His family and friends will always remember the love and kindness he shared, the Irish twinkle in his eye and his wonderful sense of humor as well as his devotion to family and the United States Coast Guard. He will be greatly missed, but we know he is happy to finally be reunited with his beloved wife, Teri.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 10:00 am with a Catholic Funeral Mass to follow at St. Francis of Assisi Church in San Jose, CA (5111 San Felipe Road, San Jose, CA 95135). Flowers can be sent to the Willow Glen Funeral Home, 1039 Lincoln Ave San Jose, CA 95125 or donations can be made to Catholic Relief Services (https://crs.donordrive.com/campaign/In-memory-of-William-P--Kozlovsky) or any charity of your choice.