Robert Anthony Kosakoski

Robert Anthony Kosakoski of Roswell, GA quietly passed away at home during the early morning hours of January 18, 2025 at the age of 81. He had spent three weeks in the hospital following open heart surgery performed at the end of December, but his death was a shock to his family and medical support team as a full recovery had been anticipated.

Bob was the son of Irene (Smoogen) Kosakoski and Anthony Bernard Kosakoski. He was born in Corning, NY on July 22, 1943 and spent his growing up years in Corning. Bob was an outstanding student at St. Vincent’s Elementary school and Valedictorian of his 1961 graduating class at Northside High School. He was on the track team and was also the quarterback for the Northside Football team.

After graduating, Bob was awarded a full Navy ROTC scholarship to attend the University of Rochester where he was a member of the Psi Upsilon Fraternity and also played on the University football team. Upon his 1965 graduation from the U of R, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bob married Rosemary Abel, also of Corning, at St. Mary’s Church. They would have been married 60 years this coming June. There was no opportunity for a honeymoon as it was war time and Bob had to report to his first duty station in Norfolk VA days after the wedding. That was quickly followed by pilot training in Pensacola and Milton FL. Bob received his Navy Wings of Gold in Corpus Christi TX in 1966. He was sent to San Diego CA to become proficient in the P-2 Neptune aircraft before proceeding to his first aviation squadron, VP-2 on Whidbey Island WA.

Following the completion of 2 tours as a Patrol Plane Commander with VP-2, flying in Viet Nam, the Navy sent Bob to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey CA where he completed his Masters and his Advanced Engineer’s degrees in Aeronautical Engineering in 1973. Both of the Kosakoski’s sons, Edward Ondris and Robert Anthony II were born during the Monterey years.

Upon graduation, Bob was transferred to Moffett Naval Air Station to transition into the P-3 Orion aircraft before his next aviation tour based out of Barbers Point Hawaii. He was deployed again to the Philippines and Viet Nam. In 1976 he was assigned to Washington DC serving as an engineer for the Navy in Crystal City until 1978. Staff duty awaited him in Atsugi and Kamiseya Japan where he served with CTF-72 from 1978 to 1981.

The highlight of his military career came next as Bob became Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VT-28, one of the Corpus Christi TX Pilot Training Squadrons. Following his command tour Bob was delighted to be sent to London England on the CINCUSNAVEUR Staff. It was his last tour before his retirement as a Commander (0-5) from military service in 1986.

The family was fortunate to be able to accompany Bob to all his duty stations, relishing the opportunity to live in many different homes, states and countries, always changing schools, meeting new people, and adapting to new life styles. They are left with so many cherished memories from a very exciting and close-knit family life, filled with shared adventures.

During his military career Bob was awarded numerous medals and commendations that reflect his outstanding accomplishments. He received the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Naval Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Viet Nam Campaign Medal with 4 Stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Viet Nam Service Medal, and the Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross with Palm. He was truly a member of the Navy family and was fully committed to serving his country.

Bob’s second career launched in 1987 when he joined Lockheed Martin Corporation in Burbank CA. When Lockheed closed down Burbank operations, he was transferred to their Marietta GA facility where he continued to work as an Aeronautical Engineer and Program Manager, again traveling the world until his second retirement in 2007.

Bob and Rosemary welcomed her Parents, Millie and Fred Abel of Sarasota FL, also originally from Corning, into their home in Roswell in 1994 where they lived together until their deaths in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Bob’s Parents, Tony and Irene Kosakoski predeceased them in 1986 and 2002.

Bob is survived by his wife, Rosemary and their two sons, Edward Ondris and Robert Anthony II and their wives, Dawn Grant and Nina Kimberley, all of Roswell, and also, by the 5 Kosakoski Grandchildren, in birth order, Robert Anthony III, Ondris Edward, Lindsey Claire, Eamon Anthony and Catherine Amelia (Katie). Bob also leaves behind his devoted and beloved sister, Mary Ann Kosakoski, RSM, of Rochester NY, and his brother-in-law, Frederick J. (Jean) Abel of AZ and VA.

For over 19 years, Bob’s greatest joy in life was to be involved on a daily basis with the lives and upbringing of his adored Grandchildren. He was their after school and summer caregiver, their math tutor, their swimming instructor, their personal chauffeur and their biggest fan. He never missed a school performance, a concert, a sporting event or anything in which they participated. The Grandkids were his world and his commitment to them was complete.

To honor Bob’s wishes there will be no services nor celebration of life, only a simple cremation and dispersal of his ashes by his sister, Mary Ann. He felt this would be his parting gift to those who mourn him. No one would have to suffer through a period of public grieving. He knew well who loved him and would miss him most and he celebrated them throughout his life.