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WILLIAM KOTAPISH Obituary
WILLIAM ROBERT KOTAPISH
Of McLean, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2018, at the age of 89.Mr. Kotapish was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Frances Lake Kotapish. He is survived by his six children, Paul (Shivaun McDonald), William (Bonnie), Susan Heartwell (Phil), Kathryn Gendreau (John), Elizabeth Seagrave (Brian), and Jane (Joshua Berger); brothers-in-law James and Phillip Lake; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and many close friends and former colleagues.Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Kotapish graduated from the University of Michigan and served in the Army Reserve for 13 years. A resident of McLean for 60 years, Mr. Kotapish began his career as one of the first polygraphers for the Central Intelligence Agency. In 1979, he became the CIA's Director of Security, and later served as Senior Congressional Liaison for the CIA. Mr. Kotapish joined TRW in 1989, and in later years became a consultant and public speaker in the field of security management and communications.Mr. Kotapish was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia. A gathering will be held at the church on Monday, May 14, 2018, at 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass at 12 Noon. Interment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences and memories may be shared atwww.murphyfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM KOTAPISH
Joe Murphy
May 7, 2021
Where does time go? On this third anniversary of Bill's passing, I am again reminded of the love and joy that existed in his family. Family was his rock amid all the demands of career. Rest in peace old friend.
Dave Haag
May 5, 2021
There were many reasons for Bill being nicknamed “Special K”. He personified gentlemanliness, leadership, compassion and fairness to all, and just plain “class”. Bill, and all the other rare kinds like him, will always me missed, admired and respected.
Joe Murphy
May 4, 2019
It seems almost impossible that Bill has been gone from us one year! I drove by his McLean home two days ago (I do so occasionally); it is now physically changed , but I rather dwelled on how much love he and Fran created there. On this anniversary my thoughts and prayers are with his beloved children and grandchildren from Brooklyn to California. Peace!
Neal Duckworth
May 29, 2018
Rest in peace, Bill. I really enjoyed all of our talks when we worked together at ODNI. You were a legend--right there working alongside us, and we knew it! You really made a difference!
May 15, 2018
are legendary in the intelligence professionals but mostly unknown in the media. That I the way it should should be. Thanks for all he did.
HA
John Ray
May 14, 2018
I worked with Bill for a number of years. I found him to be a gracious person, most helpful, and truly a professional in all senses of that word. I pray for his family that they will have peace and comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
Fred Evans
May 14, 2018
I first met Bill Kotapish when he was our Training Officer. In earlier years at different times, we had both been polygraphers. Bill knew and he remembered. When Bill was Director of Security, I was given the opportunity to write policy papers for him. He brought my first effort back with his changes, asking why I had written what I had written. I told him. Bill's reply? "We don't do it that way. That's why we're better." I paid attention and Bill never changed another word that I wrote. As others have written, Bill Kotapish's guidance was always helpful. In my case it was once even life-saving. I did what Bill suggested and extended my professional career by almost 14 years. That was more than 33 years ago. Such help has no price. I can only repay the favor in Prayer for Bill and his Family. I can and will do that. In the Instant and Always.
Debi Byrd
May 13, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family during this very difficult time. May wonderful memories keep him in everyone's heart forever.
Ed Wilkinson
May 13, 2018
Bill was a true friend and mentor to many. I am proud to count myself in that group. His wisdom and vision in the mid-1970's set the stage for the transformation of our Service following the tumult of the Church inquiries. In each of us who he personally engaged, Bill insured that we knew what was expected of us, both personally and professionally.
Bill, I owe so much to you for the unique and challenging opportunities you entrusted to me as well as the Top Cover and confidence you provided when the more timid souls broke out their worry beads: Bill would routinely offer words of assurance - Let him do his Job! Eddie can handle this! Mr. K, I will forever value your friendship and wisdom!! God Bless Sir!!
Joe Murphy
May 12, 2018
On the eve of Mother's Day, in the year 2018, how happy Bill must be now reunited forever with his beloved Fran! Bill and I crossed paths at the CIA from the mid 1960's to the mid 1980's. They were busy and challenging years at the Agency, and we were fortunate to be a part of a young, vibrant organization. But Bill's first and most enduring love was his beautiful family. As I last chatted with him on 3 May-at Hospice, he beamed when he told me: " son,Paul, was coming in from the west coast to see me". Happy Mother's Day Fran and Bill.
James Phalen
May 12, 2018
Condolences to the family; I remember all the times our paths crossed.
The Director is probably looking for the Deputy right now.
Jim Phalen
FAHS '73
Gary Harris
May 11, 2018
Gentlemanliness. Integrity. Knowledge. Wisdom. These four qualities exemplified Bill all that he did.
Mary Rose McCaffrey
May 11, 2018
Bill was a true gentlemen who not only selected multiple generations of security officers, but developed each of us to reach for the stars. As one of his "students', I will miss him. He continued to encourage following his retirement. His greatest achievement, though remained his bride of 58 years and a family who provided so much joy. His passing is a blessing for heaven. We will carry on, and miss him dearly. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Kotapish family.
Bill Fairweather
May 11, 2018
Bill called me quite unexpectedly after losing his beloved Frances, asking if we might meet over lunch - - knowing we shared widowhood' in common. He honored me bestowing that kind of trust in me, that I might be able to offer something of consolation counsel to help him through the acute personal anguish with which he was privately struggling. I will never forget our time together that day, of how honored I'd felt that he reached out to me, and have always hoped what we shared that day made his deep torment a bit more bearable. You've now finally been rejoined with your beloved, Bill - - may you Rest in Peace.
Eric Christenson
May 11, 2018
The world is sadder place without Bill Kotapish. My condolences to his family.
Eric Christenson
Deacon Frank Bendel
May 11, 2018
This Sunday at Mother Seton Parish we will include Bill Kotapish in the Prayers of the Faithful. There are never too many prayers.
Taylor, Phyllis and Steve Katona
May 11, 2018
Dylan, our deepest condolences in the passing of your grandfather. May God comfort you and your family and give you peace in knowing he will be watching you from above.
Bill Sullivan
May 11, 2018
A man of great integrity, judgement and intellect. He was highly respected by all that served under his leadership. Sincere condolences to Bill's Family.
Rev. Kenn Blanchard
May 11, 2018
He was preparing to retire when just when I started in security. The dude had flair. It was the 80's. He was a respected manager.
Jim Lynch
May 11, 2018
Bill was a remarkable person. His leadership and support of his people over the many years was consistently first class. Rest in Peace Bill
Jim Lynch
May 10, 2018
Bill was a wonderful person, always ready with a helpful thought and an undying compassion for the people who served with him and under him.
David Haag
May 10, 2018
My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the Kotapish family, and to all of us who are bereaved at the passing of this this marvelous and graceful gentleman. Bill will be missed and forever remembered. Leader, mentor, model, and friend... Bill was truly the consummate description of one who was "bigger than life".
Louis Palumbo
May 10, 2018
Bill you will meet many KUBARKER'S in heaven. I recall the day we met, Ginny Johnson introduced us in I Building. Your family has lost a loved one, and the Country a true hero and warrior.
Lou Palumbo
Carl Pletzke
May 10, 2018
He was a great man and a great leader. His wisdom will be missed.
May 10, 2018
To a true gentleman that was always respectful of everybody. I was recruited and offered my career start by Bill and I will forever be thankful that he gave me the opportunity to serve a career with the Agency. Phil Bishop, Newport, WA
Elizabeth Paquette
May 10, 2018
It was truly an honor to care for This devoted, dedicated and wonderful man. I know he will be missed by many. Dear family, During this difficult time, lean on each other, reminisce of all the good times and embrace the love that your father had for each and every one of you. You all are in my prayers! With Love, Liz Paquette
Fred Rojee
May 10, 2018
A true gentleman, who was well respected by all who served with him. I am honored to have had the opportunity to be one them. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kotapish family in your time of grief.
Betsy Luck
May 10, 2018
The loss of "Big Bill" is deeply felt by his family and all who knew him. Our prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Hugh and Betsy Luck
Katharine Martin-Savage
May 10, 2018
My most sincere condolences to Bill's family. I will always remember his and Fran's friendship to me and my late husband Gil Martin.
May 10, 2018
Peace of the Lord to all of Bill's family. My name is Chauncey Reich and was associated with your Dad for many years starting in 1955 when, as I recall, he was the orientation officer for OS. We had on and off contact since then until I officially retired in 1980. It was your Dad who saw to it that I was promoted and it was he that presented the Certificate of Distinction to me upon retirement(I have a picture of the two of us on that occasion as a mater of fact!) Your Dad was a fine, decent and fair person and I shall not forget him.
Michael Schneeberger
May 10, 2018
I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the Kotapish family from a former colleague who remembers Bill Kotapish with fondness and enormous respect.
Bob Leonard
May 10, 2018
Bill was one of the good guys. I'm proud to have known him.
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