Mr. William "Bill" Kotziers

March 4, 1936 - April 22, 2020

Mr. William Kotziers, 84, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Mr. Kotziers was born March 4, 1936 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents Wilhelm and Magdalena (Werblak) Kotziers. William graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh and then joined the US Air Force. He became a pilot and flew B52's for most of his Air Force career. He was stationed at Eglin and Barksdale Air Force Bases. In 1961, he married Carolyn Zofchak at St. Maurice Catholic Church in Forest Hills. After leaving the Air Force, Bill continued to fly with Continental and Eastern Airlines. His home bases were Los Angeles International Airport, JFK, and his final assignment, Miami. He enjoyed many trips to South America and would always bring home lovely gifts for his family. In 1968, Bill and his family moved to Coral Springs, Florida and were part of the original 250 families in the new city. Bill loved traveling through Europe, watching football and rooting for his favorite team - the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was also a great IMSA and SCCA racing participant, loved to golf, and repair cars. His parents, William and Magdalena Kotizers and wife, Carolyn Kotziers preceded him in death. Survivors are his son, William Kotziers and wife Mitzi, of Fleming Island Florida, daughter, Linda Kotziers, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, step grandson Brian Arnett and wife Erica, of Jacksonville, Florida, granddaughters Michaela Kotziers of Ann Arbor, Michigan and Melissa Kotziers of Plymouth, New Hampshire, step great grandchildren Nolan and Freyja, sisters-in-law Jane (CP) Kishbaugh of Dayton, Ohio, and Martha (Jim) Schroeder of Oxnard, California. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clyde E. Lassen State Veterans’ Nursing Home, Attention Activities Department, 4650 State Road 16, St. Augustine FL 32092 in memory of Captain William J. Kotziers-USAF. Arrangements under the care of Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1811 Idlewild Avenue, SR 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. 904-284-9696. www.helmgallagherfh.com