On September 9, 2023 Colonel Robert (Bob) Conrad Losik of Newport News, VA crossed over peacefully with his family by his side.
Bob was born on November 13, 1934, in Milwaukee Wisconsin to Mary (Nabrzyski) and Anthony Losik. He was joined in life to his wife of 66 years, Catherine A. (Rhéaume) and was the proud father of six children.
Bob raised in Milwaukee where he earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army and began his 20-year military career. Colonel Losik’s military assignments included the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division; the 2nd Airborne Battle Group (Combat Team); First Field Force Vietnam in the G-3 Plans Division. His military awards and decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (three awards, and a “V” for heroism), Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with five Campaign Stars, and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm. While in service, Bob earned a Graduate degree from the University of North Carolina and taught at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Given his distinguished military career, we note a powerful coincidence; Bob’s middle name – Conrad – means “Brave Counsel.” How true!
After his military career, Bob returned to civilian life and earned a Doctorate from Vanderbilt University in education. As a professor at Southern New Hampshire University, it was his honor to educate and mentor students for over 30 years.
In his spare time Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, and sleuthing through the Losik/Rhéaume genealogy. An avid amateur writer, he penned the amusing and factual novel “The Poor Stories – The Early Life of a Kid Named Bob” for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his son John, his brothers Mark, Marion, and John, and his sister, Caroline Anne (Altschwager). He is survived by his wife, Catherine A. (Rhéaume) of Newport News, VA; daughters Mary K. of Hampton, VA, Lucy D. of Tampa, FL., Jennifer (Bird) of Newport News, VA; sons Timothy P. of Rye, NH and Robert G. of Boynton Beach, FL.; daughters-in-law Karen B. Losik of Bradford, NH, and Patricia A. Losik of Rye, NH; son-in-law Bill Savage of Hampton, VA; brothers Michael J. of New Berlin, WI. and Frank of Salinas, CA.; sisters, Collette (Machnik) of Franklin, WI and Catherine (Stollenwerk) of Cincinnati, OH. He is also survived by three granddaughters, Attorney Kathryn Skylar, Natalie G. Losik, and Olivia B. Delashmutt; six grandsons, Jacob T., John Andrew, Kyle R., Patrick T., Maxwell R. Losik, and Michael D. Delashmutt, and three great grandchildren, Greyson, Emilia, and Elizabeth Losik.
Bob will be forever known to his family and close friends as “Father Colonel Doctor Bob.” Bob, your family loves and adores you and will always be by your side.
Remembrance arrangements will be determined in the future. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a local veteran’s organization.
The Losik family wishes to thank the Hampton Virginia Medical Center Hospice caregivers, Virginia Oncology Associates and Legacy Hospice.
