Dr. Robert “Bob” Koszelak, K.)
February 18, 1959 ~ April 19, 2019
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ROCKY MOUNT - Dr. Robert "Bob" Stephen Koszelak, age 60, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019 at his home. Born in North Tonawanda, NY on February 18, 1959, he was the son of Roman Koszelak and Dolores Koszelak. He was preceded in death by his father, Roman Koszelak; and his brother, Timothy Koszelak.
Bob graduated from Niagara University before obtaining his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois in 1985. In 1986, Dr. Koszelak moved to Rocky Mount, North Carolina to open his practice, Coastal Plain Podiatry, where he would selflessly serve his patients for years to come. In 2001, "Dr. K" discovered his true passion when he began teaching at Rocky Mount Academy. What started out as a part-time job quickly evolved into his lifelong calling, and over eighteen incredible years, Dr. Koszelak cultivated a love of learning in thousands of children through his endless passion, curiosity, and creativity. Not only a teacher, Dr. Koszelak was known also as a Boy Scout troop leader, Survivor Camp counselor, and resident MacGyver. He was famous for treating bugs as a delicacy, shooting potatoes out of cannons, dropping eggs off the tops of buildings, and always experimenting, whether that be with earthworm farms, dry-aging steaks, or mushroom gardens. Dr. Koszelak was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he served as a wellspring of love and compassion to all of his students, family, and friends. Perhaps most memorably, he was dedicated to anything and everything he was focused on, and he was, above all else, a devoted father who adored and was adored by his two sons: Chris and Alex.
Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory, his mother, Dolores Koszelak; sons, Christopher Koszelak and Alexander Koszelak, their mother, Teresa, along with Alexander's wife, Olivia; his partner of many years, Beth Covolo and her children, Duncan, Alyssa, Cameron, and Clark; brother, Paul Koszelak; sister, Barbara Fronczak, and her husband, Greg; sisters, Debra Swartz and Nancy Scibetta and her husband, Dennis. He also leaves behind many treasured aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
A Memorial Service will also be held at Our Lady of Czestochowa Church in his hometown of North Tonawanda, NY at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the "Dr. K Memorial Fund" at Rocky Mount Academy, 1313 Avondale Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Wednesday 4/24, 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.
Location Not Available
Thursday 4/25, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.
Service
Lakeside Baptist Church
1501 Sunset Avenue
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Thursday 4/25, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Lakeside Baptist Church, 1501 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Dr. Jody Wright officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends in the Sugg Foyer of the Kincheloe Building.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Thank you for inspiring all of my children to love science. You were and always will be their favorite teacher. You were inspirational to thousands of students throughout the years at RMA. Thank You! Rest in Peace – Dr. K.
Rest In Peace Dr. K . RMA is not going to be the same without you. Praying for your family and the staff and students at RMA You will be truly missed. 🙏😇
My wife and I met Dr K at an open house last fall at Rocky Mount Academy. Our grand daughter attends RMA. We live in Greensboro and had not been to the school before. We were wandering around lost. Dr K evidently spotted us and came up to us and introduced himself. His warmth and welcoming style was immediately obvious. We established an email relationship that night that has been alive since. Living 120 miles away we were not able to regularly visit the school but we felt like we had established a true friendship that night.The students, and RMA will truly miss him. I am certain his loss will leave a big hole in their hearts. He was a special man. Our condolences to his family. Glenn and Phyllis Seymour Greensboro, NC
as a neighbor and friend I am so sorry for your loss ……………………………………………………………………………..
My son Michael adored Dr K. He will be missed. My prayers are to his family and Beth.
He was the 1st teacher I met when Tiffany started at RMA & he was a kind sole. I would always run into him at Harris Teeter You will be missed by the Chandler Family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man and dedicated educator and scientist. As a lifelong educator, it is always so inspiring to work with those who are gifted teachers because they truly care for the welfare of their students. Dr. K. Has blessed so many people as a doctor and a teacher and I, for one, am a better person for having been in his presence. I ask God’s comforting arms to wrap around those who mourn him as I know he has already felt that comforting, welcoming hug himself.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. May our Heavenly Father Jehovah strengthen you with His promise to swallow up death forever and soon end all our suffering. (Rev. 213-5; Isa. 258) May His promises also comfort you during this difficult time.
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), Bard, Mindi and Bayden Collins lit a candle
What a loss. You will be remembered for your outgoing laid back adventurous personality. And that red truck. Prayers lifted for your family and friends.
Dr. K….. I remember the first year you came to RMA. I remember biology with Dr. K. I remember the first iteration of summer survivor. Dr. K, I can’t believe it. You have gone to a better place. You have some greats guys in Chris and Alex. You all have a place in my heart. Dr. K, I’m glad I got to see you again last fall during the homecoming football game. I would not have been able to live with your departure as well as I am now… Go in peace knowing you have left a massive positive impact on this world. To Chris, Alex, Beth, Duncan and Clark, I hope the best for you all and want you to know how much I valued Dr. K.
I worked for Dr Koszelak for several years. He was easy going, smart, laid back, and just one great friend and boss. He loved his boys more than anything in the world. He will be missed. Prayers to all who loved him.
I have been inexplicably sad since hearing of Bob’s passing– I met Bob years ago when we were both involved with Boy Scouts as DenPack leaders– our paths crossed since in various ways. He was the guy that you wanted to know better, be closer to, spend time with– sadly, that opportunity has passed– so I celebrate the man that he was, and what he meant to so many people– and I invite you to get closer to those who have impacted you– to enjoy time together, to celebrate this journey we call life– God be with all those who mourn the loss of Dr K and surround them with your peace. love.
I am sorry for the whole Koszelak family. Mother, Sisters and Brother. They have lost a kind and loving son and brother. I am very sorry for Beth because I am sure that he loved her very much. Mostly, I am sorry for Chris and Alex . They loved their Dad with all their heart. He will rest in peace. I know that for sure.
Words cannot begin to express the sadness I feel. Bob, you were truly one of a kind. I always loved you so much. An amazing cousin who I felt was more like a brother. Maybe we didn’t see each other often, but when we did, it was as though time never passed. Rest In Peace, dear Cousin. You will be missed greatly! Love, Laurie
I will miss you every morning waving to me from the bus on your way to pick up children. Always with a smile that brightened my early day. Rest in peace beautiful human being.
We are so grateful for Dr. K being a part of Daniel’s life. Dr. K’s shoes can never be filled. His voice can never be replaced. He will be deeply missed. Praying for everyone that had the opportunity to meet this man. Dr. K was truly one of a kind.
It is impossible to quantify all that Dr. K meant to the school and the students and the parents of RMA. It is a hard thing to have a high standard, high expectations, and drive and still be beloved by all you come in contact with. The mark he left on so many will live on.
My prayers go out to Dr. K’s family, the Covolo’s family, and the RMA family. My favorite memory with Dr. K was the nature walk we had last week and his survivor camps. The survivor camps and the nature walks were the best. I will forever remember his awesome and fun teaching. He will always be an inspiration to me.
I miss you Dr. K. RMA won’t be the same without you. Rest easy❤️
Those that touch our lives stay in our hearts forever and Your life was a blessing; your memory is a treasure. It takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, and a day to love them. Especially, someone larger then-life – Dr. K. you will never be forgotten, not even in a lifetime. He was truly an inspiration to all. Our heartfelt prayers are with the Koszelak and the Covolo Families, as well as the Entire RMA Family and all who new him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 316-17 The David Family
Our prayers go out to Dr K’s family and friends. He was a great man and will truly be missed by all.
Dr. K was a beloved member of the RMA family. My daughter, Emily Bryan, cultivated a love of science thanks to Dr. K. He will be missed. He will be remembered. We are so grateful for the time we, and especially our daughter, had with him. Thank you Dr. K.
I worked with Bob on an energy project to help students understand how they use energy at home. The project was designed for high school honors environmental science classes, and I was a little worried it might be too difficult for Bob’s middle school students. But I was wrong. Bob’s students excelled at understanding the concepts and doing the work, which was substantial and challenging. Bob had high expectations of his students and they delivered performance that was above and beyond what many honors high school classes have been able to do. He cared deeply about his kids and wanted them to understand the whys in life.
My condolences.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult and sad time.
An amazing man gone too soon. My sincere condolences to Christopher, Alex, Dolly and all of the Koszelak family. May God bless you and give you strength during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for the loss of Bob , he was a great Man and such a good Person. Our Heart goes out to the Family! Our Prayers and Thoughts are with you at this Sad time.
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), Roslyn Green lit a candle
I would like to express my sincere condolence to your family. May the God of all comfort give you the peace as he assures us thru his promise that you that our dead loved ones will live again by mean of the resurrection. (John 528-29) (Acts 2415)
I had the pleasure of traveling with Dr. K and his students at Rocky Mount Academy to places like Washington DC and New York City. He had an amazing way with students, and always had a love for learning as well. It’s with deep sadness that I leave condolences to such a nice caring and giving man and teacher. I enjoyed his stories and remember his sense of humor. He will definitely be missed more than we know. You touched a lot of lives, Bob. I’m so sorry to hear this news.
Dr. K, Thank you for always believing in me and pushing me to do my very best. You never failed to put a smile on my face and you supported me through everything. You were the most selfless and kindest man I’ve ever known. Thank you for teaching me so much in the couple years I’ve known you. I am very blessed that I got the chance to be your student. You were the heart and soul of RMA and it will never be the same without you. I will never forget you and all the lessons you taught me. You are missed all. Rest Easy
Dearest Alex and family, your dad was so kind to us. We felt close to him in spirit and continue to do so. We treasure the times he reached out to us and linked our families with love and optimism. Olivia’s joining your family is a blessing to us. We love you and pray that you will be comforted.
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), Anita Pittman lit a candle
I will miss your positive energy at RMA and your smile that always brightened everyone’s day! Rest in peace!
Dr. K you were the best science teacher I ever had. I pray that your family will be comforted.
Dr K was one of those teachers that imact the lives of students and parents through enlightment and positive reinforcement. He has contributed personally to our daughter who has written about him in her college writings. Our family will be forever greatfull and RMA will miss him greatly. The Chestons
Dr. K, you were and always will be the best science teacher to ever teach at RMA. You never failed to bring a smile to our faces and you will be missed very much by everyone who knew you. I will forever cherish all the memories I have with you. Love always, Gabbi
Sending my love and condolences to Bob’s family, who carry on his legacy of kindness. Bob was such a warm and loving person and his presence will forever be missed.
Our sincere condolences Mrs K and family. What a great friend Bob was. Although we haven’t talked in some time I have warm memories of all our years together at St. Joe’s and NTHS. See you again my friend.
May 2 Cor 13,4 be of some comfort to you and your family The Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort who comfort us during our trials.
Dr. K had such a light about him. I remember meeting him when touring RMA and he enthusiastically invited us into his classroom to explore and showed us the wonderful things to discover around the room, all during a class. He always had a smile to share and I heard many stories of the conversations he had with students at the end of Ashley’s day. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all of the students at RMA. Dr. K certainly made a lifelong impression on our family and we feel lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing him and experiencing what true joy and service to others looks like in this world.
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), Candy Chen lit a candle
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), beth lit a candle
rest easy Dr.K -Daniel
In memory of Dr. Robert Bob Koszelak, (Dr. K.), Agnieszka Koszelak lit a candle in Poland.
So very sad to hear about Bob such a great man.