Richard Adam Kozal

Dr. Richard Adam Kozal, Colonel, USAR retired

Richard Adam Kozal, 73, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Mesquite, Nevada. He was born March 26, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois.

Richard graduated from Loyola Dental School, of which he remained a loyal Alumnus and teacher until the school closed in 1993. He entered the Army after receiving his D.D.S. degree and served as a Captain in the Dental Corp for two years after which he opened his private practice in Summit, Illinois. He retired after 38 years and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife Judith, where he taught at the Community College in the Dental Hygiene Program for nine years. During their time in Las Vegas, he and his wife explored Nevada and many of the surrounding states and concluded that loving the desert as they did, decided to settle in Mesquite where they have lived for three years. They have made many friends while living here and have often said, "We are truly blessed to live in this beautiful town with such loving and giving neighbors."

Richard's dental career offered him the opportunity to serve his profession as President of the Chicago Dental Society, Vice-president of the American Dental Association, Regent of the International College of Dentists, Fellow of the American College of Dentists and Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and International Dental Honor Society of which he became the Secretary-General and ran the day to day business of the Central office which he relocated to Mesquite in 2006. Richard and his wife have engaged in running this office for the past 29 years.

His 20 year military career also included many honorable positions which he served with dedicated excellence. He achieved the highest rank of Colonel and during his service he was the Commander of the 149th Dental Unit at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, and Deputy Commander of the 88th Medical Brigade. Richard was well respected by his men and was a true Officer and a gentleman. He was also a Knight Templar, an achievement of which he was very proud.

He was a much loved and loving husband, father, brother and grandfather and the best friend anyone could hope to have. He will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his wife Judith of Mesquite; sons Paul (Carol) of California, David of Illinois and Rick (Heather) of Illinois; stepson Michael of Mesquite; sister Arlene (Jay) Tilghman of Illinois; brother Donald (Pat) Kozal of Illinois; and grandchildren Colter, Elise and Elliott all of Illinois.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 19, 2009 at 12 noon at Mesquite City Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Thursday, March 19 from 11 to 11:45 am at Virgin Valley Mortuary.