LTC Edward P. Kozlowski, USA, Ret., 86, of Fincastle, passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at Lewis Gale Medical Center following a long illness.
Edward was born in Deerfield, Mass., November 15, 1937 and was the son of the late Paul J. (Harriet E. Skawski) Kozlowski, Jr. He had lived in Fincastle since 1980.
Edward served as an Intelligence Officer for The United States Army retiring from Fort Meade, Maryland in 1980. Edward served with distinction, receiving: Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star medal, Vietnam Campaign medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm (Unit Citation), four Overseas Bars, Meritorious Unit Citation, and Parachute Badge.
After retirement from the Army, he and his wife Mary opened the Cake and Deli Shoppe in Daleville and were known for the best subs and eclairs in the area. Edward served as a bailiff for Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office for 12 years. His passion for people led him to start the Greeters program at Fincastle Baptist Church; he started the church library; photographed baptisms, and was a member of Fincastle Baptist Church for 25 years. Edward was an avid bee-keeper, loved his blueberry bushes and irises. He collected and had volumes of various law enforcement and military patches. Edward was fluent in seven languages.
He was encouraged to go on a blind date and met Mary Lynn White. After two more dates, she introduced him to her two children and said, “We’re a package.” Without hesitation, he asked her on another date and following their ninth date, they became a family and their “knight in shining armor” took them on their adventures around the world.
In addition to his parents, Edward was preceded in death by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary Lynn White Kozlowski; and granddaughter, Krystin Kozlowski. He is survived by his son, Alan Kozlowski of Tennessee; daughter, Lisa (David) Blessard of Fincastle; grandchildren, Scott (Heather) Blessard, and David (Britney) Kozlowski; great-grandchildren, Bellamy and Isley Blessard.
A celebration of a life well lived with full military honors was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 2 at Fincastle Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Cumming officiating. The family received friends following the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Fincastle Baptist Church Building Fund, 7330 Roanoke Road Fincastle, 24090; or to Gideons Botetourt Camp, P.O. Box 135, Daleville, 24083.
Online condolences may be offered to Edward’s family at www.rader-funeralhome.com/tributes/Edward-Kozlowski.
