Robert E. Kozak

Robert E. Kozak, age 70, died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 30, 2022 in Rhinebeck, NY. 

Bob was born to the late Alex and Shirley Kozak on August 17, 1951. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School, Dutchess Community College with a degree in Banking, and SUNY New Paltz, where he earned a degree in Economics. In 1972, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Patty Cousens Kozak, whom he first met in kindergarten. This year they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Bob began his career at Equifax and retired from IBM in 2013 after 30+ years in management. He loved playing baseball, the Yankees, fishing, volunteering with the Special Olympics, and spending time with his family. His five grandchildren were his greatest joys in life. He played baseball from Little League to the Babe Ruth League, throughout high school and college, and beyond in the Rookie League with the Poughkeepsie Lasers. While attending college, Bob tried out for the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals. While he never made it to the big leagues, he was honored to be inducted into the Dutchess County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016. Bob will be forever remembered for his witty humor and fierce pride and love for his family.

In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his daughter, Blair Reynolds, and her husband, Colby; daughter Tara Lindsay and her husband, Andy; grandchildren Rylan and Reisa Reynolds, and Dylan and Charlotte Lindsay; sister Fran Paschal; nephew Christopher Paschal, his wife Francesca, and their two daughters; and cousin Linda Satz. He was predeceased by his grandson Pearson Reynolds, brother-in-law James Paschal and nephew Ryan Paschal.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dapson-Chestney Funeral Home in Rhinebeck.

Bob will be honored in a private ceremony with his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House New York or The Tunnel to Towers Foundation.