Col. Robert E. Kosikowski "Koz", USAFR (Ret.)

DOVER - Robert E. Kosikowski, of Dover, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009, in the The University of Pennsylvania Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 75. Bob was born Nov. 15, 1933, in Farmingdale, N.Y., to the late Victor A. Kosikowski and Estelle Suchenski Kosikowski. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve retiring as a Colonel in 1985 after 30 years. He was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. From 1976 to 1979 he served as the 326th Military Airlift Squadron Commander. After his military retirement he served as the Civilian Executive Officer of the 512th Airlift Wing at Dover Air Force Base retiring in 1994. Bob was a member of St. Polycarp Roman Catholic Church, Smyrna, where he was an extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and was involved with administering communion to the homebound. He was an avid golfer, playing since the age of seven. Bob also enjoyed wood working, gardening and traveling as well as many other interesting hobbies. His greatest joy was having his children and grandchildren over every Sunday for dinner. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy J. Posillico in 1978. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Ruth Kosikowski of Dover; a son, Thomas Kosikowski and his wife Susan of Dover; his daughters, Kristen Kelly and her husband Sean of New Castle, Pa., Gwen Kosikowski of Magnolia; five grandchildren, Justin Kosikowski, Kayla Kelly, Erin Kelly, Camille Kosikowski, Allison Kosikowski; his uncle, Frank and aunt Emily Suchenski of Randolph, N.J.; brothers and sisters-in-law and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held noon Thursday at St. Polycarp Roman Catholic Church, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday night at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Interment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Bob's name to the Disabled American Veterans, 183 South St., Camden, DE 19934, the USO of Delaware, 500 Purple Heart Way, Dover AFB, Delaware, 19902, or St. Polycarp Catholic Church, 135 Ransom Lane, Smyrna, DE 19977. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook may be signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.