Peter Kotzer

AUBURN < Peter Kotzer, 74, of Auburn passed away unexpectedly Monday, Sept. 22, 2008, at his home. He was the son of the late Wasko and Mary Chutko Kotzer. Peter was a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Washington, where he received his Ph.D. in physics. He initially worked at General Electric, Syracuse, in Research and Development. He relocated to Seattle, Wash., and worked for Boeing Aircraft. Dr. Kotzer pursued his love for teaching as a professor at the University of Washington and Western Washington University. During his tenure at the universities, he authored several scholarly papers and scientific articles. He is recognized for his research and progress in the neutrino field. Other areas of expertise included: Navy Undersea project, (U.N.C.L.E.) and Red Tide monitoring research. His business and teaching interest led him to present lectures worldwide, often in Russia, which he thoroughly enjoyed. More recent projects involved research in areas of Alzheimer"s, human gene therapy and longevity of life. Dr. Kotzer was one of the organizers of the local Father"s Rights Group. He was an active member of the Cayuga County Independence Party, including participation in recent elections. He was known as a frequent contributor of letters to The Citizen, and advocated for those in need. In his quest for knowledge, he became astute in the fields of science, human anatomy, politics, and he had great interest in Russian and Orthodox history. He was a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Auburn, and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also attended services at St. Mary"s Russian Orthodox Church in Jamesville. Dr. Kotzer is survived by four children, Bonnie Jean Kotzer, of Colorado, Christopher (Johdy) and Nicholas (Mimi) Kotzer, all of Washington, and Jesse Ramos of Mont., and his granddaughter, Amanda Kotzer; his siblings, Mary (Fred) Coleman, Paul (Helen) Kotzer, Emily (Donald) Young, and Barbara (Jim) Kotzer Roschick, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, William and sister, Olga Acker. Funeral services for Peter will be 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, from the Plis Funeral Home and 9:30 a.m. in St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Burial will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery, Half Acre. Friends are invited to call 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at the funeral home, 220 State St. The family requests contributions be made to St. Nicholas Church. "Peter will be deeply missed by his family and friends." To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.