Gary John Koziol was born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania on October 31, 1941, to Anna and John Koziol. He graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1963 and a Master’s in Engineering Management from George Washington University in 1972. He began his career with General Electric as a Manager of Television VCR Design and Sales immediately after college in Syracuse, New York in 1963. After three years GE relocated him to the Consumer Electronics division in Suffolk, Virginia where he designed the first transistor TV and worked on the design of the VCR. He continued his career with the company until 1987 when General Electric closed the Suffolk location. He then went to work for the Department of the Navy where he served as Division Head for the US Navy Worldwide Fleet Tactical Data Computers and Communication Systems. In 1996, he began work with the United States Department of Defense better known as USJFCOM where he served as a Communication Technical Advisor on Weapons and Missile Defense for the US Joint Forces Command reporting directly to the Pentagon until he retired in 2013.

Mr. Koziol is survived by his cherished wife of 44 years Alice Eure Koziol as well as two daughters, Lisa Koziol Greiner (Doug) and Kelly Ann Koziol (Gavin Rountree) and two sons, James Stephen Gaskins, and Joseph Lee Gaskins (Amanda). Most importantly he is survived by his beloved grandchildren Bennett Eure Gaskins, Reagan Leigh Gaskins, Taylor Nathaniel Gaskins and Isabella Grace Gaskins.

Mr. Koziol was a loving, thoughtful, kind, and gentle man who had a natural curiosity about life. He had an all-consuming desire to resolve any problem presented to him. He often commented that he was not an inventor but given a problem he would find a way to solve it. His zest for life was inspirational and infectious. He considered each day a gift and he proceeded daily throughout his life with a happy, cheerful, and positive spirit. He had a passion for woodworking, construction, and home design. He loved the outdoors to include plants and animals. He was fascinated by flowers and gardening and could often be seen working tirelessly in his yard regardless of the season. He was generous with his time supporting his treasured wife in her projects and undertakings. He supported her behind the scenes throughout her professional career, at their church, the local garden clubs, or the Chrysler Museum of Art. No task was too big, and no task was too small.

A memorial service will be held at Galilee Episcopal Church on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 3928 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, 23451 at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate his life. Memorial donations in Mr. Koziol’s honor may be made to the Garden Club of Virginia at 12 East Franklin Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 or Galilee Episcopal Church.

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