Louis (Lou) Kozikowski, husband of the late Elizabeth (Bette) Peck-Kozikowski, passed away peacefully on May 9 at John Dempsey Hospital 10 days shy of his 101st birthday.
Lou was born in Bristol on May 19, 1922, son of the late Ludwik and Anna Bedus-Kozikowski. He was a graduate of Bristol High School, Class of 1940. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron in November of 1942 and was a crew member on a PBM Martin Mariner Seaplane as a radar operator and machine gunner, scanning the South Atlantic Ocean protecting convoys from German submarines.
Lou retired from Pratt & Whitney where he worked most of his life as a Production Engineer. After retirement he and Bette stayed active volunteering for various organizations. He was a lifetime member of the Bristol Polish Club, active member of the Bristol Elks Club 101, Tunxis Senior Center in Farmington, AARP Plainville and American Legion Hanrahan Post 32.
During his marriage to Bette, they enjoyed traveling with senior groups cruising to Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal as well as touring the East Coast. They also enjoyed senior excursions to the local casinos. They both belonged to the Memorial United Methodist Church in Avon, Conn.
Louis is predeceased by his wives Elizabeth (Bette) Peck and Virginia Royal, and his brothers John, Frank, Bernard and sister Florence.
Lou is survived by his daughters Wendy Smiekel of Tampa, Fla., Carol Miller and husband Rick Miller of Pikeville, Tenn.; his granddaughters Shirley Fortenbaugh and her husband Ryan of Virginia and Holly Smiekel-Hoff and her husband Chris of Colorado; his great-granddaughters Helenka Chodakiewicz and Ellie Fortenbaugh of Virginia and Indigo Smiekel-Hoff of Coloroda and many wonderful nieces, nephews and extended family members from the Kozikowski, Oskandy and Miller families. Louis is also survived by his longtime companion Evelyn Olson.
Louis lived a long and full life and always made every day count. He will be missed.
Calling hours will be held at O’Brien Funeral home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.
To leave an online message of condolences, share a memory or photo, please visit Lou’s tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com.
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