William Stanley Kozlowski

William Stanley Kozlowski, 83, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Syracuse, New York, on October 24, 1942, Bill was the son of the late William Kozlowski and Irene Rivers Kozlowski. He was the beloved husband of the late Diane Cecilia Kozlowski.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy for 21 years, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. His military service was an important part of his life and a source of tremendous pride. In his final days, his family had the privilege of honoring him with a special military pinning ceremony at home, recognizing his many years of honorable and dedicated service to his country.

Beyond his military accomplishments, Bill’s greatest legacy was his family. To those who knew and loved him, he was Dad, PePa, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He believed deeply in family first, and his strength, loyalty, humor, and love helped shape generations of the Kozlowski family.

Bill was the proud father of five children: Cynthia Ann Bernick; the late William Stanley Kozlowski Jr.; Michelle Lynn Richardson; Kimberly Danielle Johnson; and Thomas David Kozlowski.

He was affectionately known as “PePa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—a name that represented the very special place he held in their hearts.

His grandchildren include Laura Elizabeth Hawkes, Christopher Randall Hawkes, Steven Mitchell Bernick, Samantha Rose Bernick, the late Karina Rowan, Kyra Rose Kozlowski, Marissa Ashley Daniel, Riley Nicole Richardson, Marco Johnson II, Alexandra Diane Kozlowski, and Thomas David Kozlowski II.

Bill’s legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Courtney Lynn DelBorrell, Paityn Cecilia Perdue, MaKenna Patricia Perdue, Harlow Rose Nicholson, Isabella Rosalie Nevarez, Isaac Randall Hawkes, Cillian Layne Blankenbeckler, Finley Aspen Blankenbeckler, Iris Nova Peters, and Dominic James Johnson.

He was also blessed to see another generation of his family through his great-great-grandchildren: Sophia Elizabeth Simmons, Logan James DelBorrell, and Mason Kenneth DelBorrell.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Diane Cecilia Kozlowski; his son, William Stanley Kozlowski Jr.; his granddaughter, Karina Rowan; and his parents, William Kozlowski and Irene Rivers Kozlowski. Their absence was deeply felt throughout his life, and his family finds comfort in knowing they are together again.

Those who knew Bill will remember a man who believed in family first. He showed his family what it meant to remain strong, to take care of one another, to work hard, and to stand together through both life's celebrations and its challenges. The Kozlowski family will continue to honor Bill by staying connected, supporting one another, and carrying forward the legacy he worked so hard to build.

Bill's passing leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved him. His family will miss his voice, his laughter, his stories, his humor, and simply knowing that Dad and PePa were there.

Although saying goodbye is incredibly difficult, his family is grateful for the years he shared with them and for the countless memories that will continue to bring laughter, tears, and comfort for years to come.

His family will proudly carry forward the Kozlowski name and legacy, continuing the family values that meant so much to him.

Bill will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors he earned through his dedicated service to our country, with the date and time of interment to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill’s honor to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, continuing his legacy of service and supporting Navy and Marine Corps families in need.

Rest peacefully, Dad. Rest peacefully, PePa.

You showed us the way, you built the foundation, and you taught us the importance of family. We will take it from here. Your legacy lives on through all of us. Until we meet again, PePa.

Family first. Family strong. Forever a Kozlowski.