David C. Kozak

FORT COLLINS, Colorado - David C. Kozak passed on March 9, 2025 at the age of 80 following a lengthy illness during which he reflected and connected with old and new loved ones. In his final days, family surrounded him with prayers, songs, jokes, hand-holding, stories, and love.
David was born February 17, 1945, in Lackawanna, New York, the son of the late HC and Grace Gilman Kozak. He adored his Grandparents Frank and Mary Gilman and was excited to be reunited with them.
David graduated from Gannon University ('66) and received his PhD in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Pittsburgh. David served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a professor at the Air Force Academy and the National War College, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel before returning to Gannon University. At Gannon, Dr. Kozak taught undergraduate and graduate Political Science and Leadership. An annual Chautauqua Institution lecturer for 25 years, he also directed Leadership Erie and lectured nationally and internationally. Dr. Kozak also had the privilege of teaching at West Point on a sabbatical. As a Political Analyst, Dr. Kozak made numerous contributions to local and national media outlets. He was known for his novel teaching methods, often bringing in special guest speakers, including seven former U.S. Presidents. He always encouraged his students, connecting them to unique opportunities, including bringing student delegations to several Presidential Conventions. His research focused on bipartisan collaboration, and his students often said that you couldn't discern his political leanings, because David believed that political science was a "dispassionate search for the truth." He was friends with Democrats and Republicans and modeled civility and civic engagement.
As much as he accomplished professionally, his first priority and joy was always his family. Going out to dinner, hosting parties, exploring nature, amusement parks, state fairs, beaches, or engaging in both meaningful and funny conversations. He treasured his children, and having grandchildren transformed his life with how much time he spent with each of them to teach them and learn from them. He said his "last lecture" was to teach his children and grandchildren how to die, by remaining gracious and grateful.
David is survived by his loving wife of 57 years MaryAnne Mandeville whom he met while they attended Gannon University. They shared a passion for higher education by giving lectures and co-teaching several graduate courses. David always said that "MaryAnne was the best thing that ever happened to him," and everything came from what they built together, including his family, his son Jeffrey; his son Timothy and wife Dawn; his daughter Jacqueline and husband Mark Thiel; his grandchildren Taylor (23) and Payton (20) Kozak; Istria (9) and Gus (6) Kozak Thiel; and his brother Paul.
His family and friends delighted in his many interests, including model railroads, aquariums, professional wrestling, auto thrill shows, Buddy Holly, fireworks, and good food. His enormous sense of humor, larger than life presence, and one of a kind voice and laugh will be deeply missed.
David will be interred in a private burial with full military honors in Fort Collins, Colorado with his family who are near and far, from Kauai to London. Memorial celebrations in Erie are forthcoming. Memories can be shared at Goes Funeral Care (https://www.goesfuneralcare.com/). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak Gannon READs Program or Pathways Hospice of Northern Colorado. David cared about his many caregivers at Columbine and Pathways, who gave him dignity in this process to the end.