Frank Wozniak

Frank Edward Wozniak



Frank Edward Wozniak, Jr. PhD, historian and archaeologist, died on February 15, 2024 in Albuquerque New Mexico. He was 77. His studies included history of the Byzantine Empire; southwest US archaeology; water law in the West; and the repatriation of Native American remains from museums. Dr. Wozniak died of complications from Type 1 diabetes, a disease he had managed since his childhood. For many years he was proud to have exceeded the actuarial tables and outlived his physician's expectations.



Dr. Wozniak was born October 14, 1946 to Frank Wozniak, Sr. and Margaret Wozniak (née Boor) in Santa Clara, California. The family, including his brother Steve and sister Carol, traveled extensively throughout the western US during his childhood, following the gas pipeline projects that employed Frank Sr. Living in a small Airstream trailer, the kids attended 8 different elementary schools. The family returned to Vista, California where Frank Jr. attended Vista High School. He attended Palomar Junior College, and Stanford University where he earned his B.A. and Ph.D.



Dr. Wozniak's early career focused on the Byzantine Period in Europe. He conducted field studies and research in collaboration with the American School of Classical Studies at the Gennadeion in Athens. He went on to teach at Louisiana State University; Appalachian State University; and the University of New Mexico.



He retrained in history and archeology of the American southwest in the late 1980's and supported the UNM Office of Contract Archaeology and Maxwell Museum in their research. He developed a detailed knowledge of irrigation systems in New Mexico supporting regional assessments for the U.S. Forest Service and an expert witness in the water law litigation.



Dr. Wozniak's work with the Forest Service included the administration of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), eventually becoming the southwest coordinator. Through this work, he inventoried the thousands of Native American human remains that are stored museums throughout the country. He would then work with the tribal relatives on how best to fulfill the cultural and spiritual requirements for closure and reburial. Meticulous and thorough, Dr. Wozniak oversaw the successful return and reburial of many people.



Dr. Wozniak enjoyed several years of retirement and travel with his wife Bonnie (née Bright) who brought incredible happiness to his life over their nearly 30 years of marriage. They were a great pair, who, with Bonnie's encouragement, traveled the world, adopted every scrappy little dog that needed a home, and held innumerable bridge games and other social events at their home for family, neighbors, and friends.



Dr. Wozniak is survived by his wife, two sons from a previous marriage, two stepdaughters, and four grandchildren, all of whom he adored.



In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Maxwell Museum of Archeology in Albuquerque, NM or the American School of Classical Studies, Gennadius Library in Athens, Greece.