William "Bill" Kohutanycz
William "Bill" Kohutanycz
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William Kohutanycz Obituary
He was born in New York City, NY and grew up in Amberson, PA. He attended Fannett-Metal High School, then The University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Electrical Engineering, followed by an MBA. He was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.
He was a broadcast engineer at the Defense Media Activity, formerly Navy Broadcasting, for 37 years and helped to bring Armed Forces TV and radio to troops around the world.
Bill was an avid photographer with a sharp wit and many interests including micro breweries before they were common, introducing us to flavors previously unknown. Travels were a big part of his life, bicycling through Europe, hiking to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite. He recently said he regretted not making it to Mt. Everest when he was younger. The Navy sent him around the world - Antarctica, Australia, Europe, Iceland, Japan, the Middle East, literally every continent.
His main passion was his friends. He loved coming back to the valley to attend local picnics and festivals to stay connected with friends and family. He regularly attended Pitt Panther games with college classmates and connected by phone with many of us during televised Steelers games. He was especially close to those who served with the Navy Broadcasting Service and Naval Media Center, many of whom migrated with him to the Defense Media Center. He organized their regular gatherings at Union St. Pub and always looked forward to each meeting with his Navy family.
He is survived by his sister, Anne, extended family, and his cat, Mac, who will be spending his retirement in Montana. Bill will be buried in Amberson beside his parents, William and Leona. Celebrations of Life are being planned for Washington DC and Pennsylvania in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, National Park Foundation, American Cancer Society, or your favorite charity. www.agettlakjer.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Vanessa Reed
January 17, 2026
Bill K. will be missed! I'm grateful to know such a kind and positive person. Every time I saw him, he had a kind or funny message and flashed a smile that lit up the room. May he rest in eternal peace.
Gene Brink
January 14, 2026
The loss is great, but the memories will last forever. I first met Bill at Navy Broadcasting Service in Anacostia, and our paths continued together through Old Town Alexandria and on to DMA at Fort Meade. Across every stop, he touched many lives with his calm guidance, steady professionalism, sense of humor, and friendship.
Those who worked beside him carry countless moments shaped by his kindness and his quiet strength. His presence made long days lighter and tough tasks easier, simply because he was there in his special way.
May God´s hands bring comfort to all, and may the memories we share keep his spirit close.
Jo Bordeau
January 12, 2026
I'm so saddened by the loss of Bill. He was an amazing person - smart, fun-loving, and a joy to talk to. He will be greatly missed by many. My heartfelt condolences to the family and to Mac, who I'm sure is also missing him.
Christina Lessels
January 8, 2026
Part of the brightness of my spot by the kitchen has left. In 6+ years at DMA you always stopped to share a word or story. Your light is deeply missed. Prayers to your family and friends.
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Kyle Olson
January 7, 2026
I will miss your wit and easy friendship. I don´t remember when or how we met. I only know that you were always there. Thank you my friend. Rest easy.
Bert Gonzalez
January 7, 2026
The loss we feel today is deep. It reaches beyond desks, meetings, calendars and daily work routines. We´ve lost Bill who was woven into the fabric of our team, someone who made the workplace not just functional, but warm. Throughout my career, I've met plenty of personalities, characters, and people -- but none as special as Bill.
Years of shared projects, conversations, and challenges built more than a working relationship-they built a friendship. Bill was there through changing times, busy schedules, tight deadlines, and always with his unique sense of humor and grace. We leaned on each other more than we probably realized at the time. He was part of the battle rhythm, the voice of reason in chaos, the steady presence when things got tough. His contributions to our team went far beyond his professional achievements - he created a sense of community, always took time to support his colleagues, and approached every challenge with an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Today, his absence is felt in the quiet moments, the empty chair, the emails we instinctively start to write before remembering he won´t be there to answer, the first-class gentlemen that no longer fill our workplace the same way.
Thank you for his dedication, and the countless ways, big and small, he made a difference. He didn´t just do his job, he built a legacy of consistency, support, and quiet leadership.
We thank God for the time we had with him and hope to meet him again in eternity. And to Bill we simply say, good job on a life well lived, thank you for brightening our lives, and we look forward to seeing you again at the glorious coming of our Lord.
Please accept my warmest condolences for your loss. Our prayers are with the family. I hope God blesses and comforts everyone during this difficult time.
Tracey Osborne
January 7, 2026
In shock and beyond sad to hear the news of Bill passing. Countless times we'd bump into each other in the halls of DMA. He was a plethora of information. Always there to support and give me what I would call "Sheldon Cooper tidbits". It was an amazing privilege to know him for 10 years. Thank you for the laughs and my eyeball rolls after you'd say something "Bill K." You will be greatly missed!!
Troy Ruby
January 7, 2026
I am so sorry for your loss! My family and I are thinking and praying for peace and comfort for your entire family during this incredibly difficult time.
Crystal Staples
January 7, 2026
Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to the family. Mr. Bill K was a great wealth of knowledge and always willing to share without making you feel like an idiot. We'll truly miss him! ~ Crystal and Leonard Staples
Christopher Hopwood
January 6, 2026
Christopher Hopwood
January 6, 2026
Bill-
I miss you. You were a constant part of my daily construct. So many years as my confidante, co-conspirator, consigliere and friend. You´ve been friend to me, Regina and the fam through the years. Your crazy kinda matched my crazy, but tempered. I always sought and appreciated your counsel or view on just about any topic ..even as we continued our chats online after hours. Such was the norm. I´ll remember the long nights, the all-nighters listening to you and Oak arguing at the fire, and the offbeat diverse sense of humor threaded with Monty Python and Hitchhiker´s Guide...with loads o´ pop culture sprinkled in.
I know the other side of the mirror gained an amazing soul, while our side got dimmer. I´ll see you when I see you, but just know the first round will be on me.
Efia Edem-Babanawo
January 6, 2026
My deepest condolences. Bill is a simple as they get - To know Bill is to love him. I was heartbroken to look across the table and know that our last glance, text, call, conversation was our last. My heart smiles to have known you and will forever appreciate every interaction. The world was better because you were here!
Scott M Betts
January 6, 2026
Love and miss you much Bill! As my Dad used to say, "You are a true Gentleman and a great scholar" Rest in Peace forever. See you on the other side.
Carol McKay waWashington
January 6, 2026
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one. Bill was a respected colleague and will be deeply missed My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Edward Buczek
January 6, 2026
Bill,
What a wonderful legacy you leave behind and I am so proud to have been part of it. Mobile Broadcasting Detachment Two. Ed Buczek
Dan Wynne
January 6, 2026
Bill will be forever in our hearts and memories.
Ohene Gyapong
January 5, 2026
I miss and love you, Bill.
Bill Voorhees
January 5, 2026
Rest easy, Bill K. I've always thought of you as my best friend from High School. Bill Voorhees
Brook DeWalt, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
January 5, 2026
Missing you, Bill... we'll be gathering Friday in your honor at Union Street Public House in Old Town, of course! Hard to believe you're not the one sending out the invite!
Brook DeWalt, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)
January 5, 2026
Great respect for Bill, from your pals at Naval Media Center, Defense Media Activity, and the American Forces Network. Bill was always a friend, and a great subject matter expert who could be relied upon over and over. A brain filled with a tremendous amount of random and mostly useful facts, especially when it came to choosing a quality beverage! Missing you, indeed...
Doug Smith
January 4, 2026
Bill's impact on the wellbeing of military people has staying power. Miss him already.
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16715 Path Valley Rd, Spring Run, PA 17262
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