Nicholas Kuzemka

With sorrow and deep love our family is mourning the passing of Nicholas William Kuzemka, 84, (Colonel, ret. USAF) of Stuart, FL, on Friday, February 27th. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carole; his four children, Damon (Kathy), Aaron (Tracy), Justin (Cindy), and Melaina (Kyle); his sister, Nancy; and his 14 cherished grandchildren. Nick lived a remarkable life, positively impacting everyone he met and bringing love, humor, and joy to every situation.

Nick was born and raised in the southwestern Pennsylvania town of Donora. Here is where his deep faith and love of family, country, and competition were nurtured. He began his embrace of faith at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church where he and his extended family would spend long Sundays engaged in service (he served as an altar boy) and activities.

Nick met his wife Carole in high school before he matriculated to The United States Military Academy at West Point. Nick played on the Army football team and sang with the West Point Glee Club while studying and training to serve his country. Nick and Carole were competitors for valedictorian at Donora high and would get into banter about who really was the top student in the class of ‘59 late into their lives together. In addition to his degree from West Point, Nick would earn a Masters in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech in ‘66 and earned a Juris Doctor from George Washington University.

Nick and Carole were married in 1963 shortly after his graduation from West Point and commission into the United States Air Force. The ceremony was at St. Nicholas in Donora and they began a life together that would take their growing family across the country and around the world. During Nick’s 26-year Air Force career, they lived in Texas; South Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Long Island, New York; Taipei, Taiwan; Fairborn, Ohio; Fairfax, Virginia; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Along the way they welcomed four children—Damon, Aaron, Justin, and Daddy’s little girl, Melaina. Nick’s family was his pride and joy, and his devotion to them was undeniable.

Nick was a leader in the community and a tremendous example for his children as well as their friends and teammates. He enthusiastically took positions, whether as a coach or director in the local soccer club, BRYC, or in his family's church St. Marks to improve or meet a need. He had a remarkable way of finding the best in every situation and bringing a unique infectious enthusiasm that made people want to be around him.

Nick was genuinely curious about everyone he met, whether a new friend of one of his children, a neighbor, or a waitress at a restaurant, he would ask what sometimes seemed like a million questions that would inevitably lead to some laughter and a lot of smiles. The Kuzemka house throughout the 80’s was a huge hangout and much of the reason was his effervescence.

One of Nick’s greatest gifts to his family was his zest for life. He loved music in all forms—from singing in church and with the West Point Glee Club to leading enthusiastic singalongs with his children in the car, whether he knew the lyrics or not. Live music was his favorite, and he rarely missed an opportunity to dance, especially with Carole.

Nick loved competition! Sports were just the tip of the iceberg. Pick the card game, relay races and other games at every backyard birthday party, the racetrack (he was a great handicapper and an owner with West Point Thoroughbreds), you name it he would make a contest out of it!

After retiring from the Air Force as a full colonel, Nick began a second career in the aerospace industry for Lockheed Martin that would take him and Carole to Southern California for a short while before coming back to settle in Northern Virginia. Soon the grandchildren would come and he cherished them all. He would travel to see all 14 compete in youth sports, plays and performances, all while challenging and encouraging them as he had their parents.

Nick and Carole began a summer gathering known as “Camp Kuzemka” where they would have all the grandkids come to their home for a week's worth of activities and contests-from morning fitness, art class, dance events and so much more. The grandkids especially loved it when Nick was in charge of breakfast as they were sure to have his classic favorite, cereal and ice cream! They would eventually move “Camp Kuzemka” to Nemacolin Woodlands resort and continue to create incredible memories.

Soon after Nick retired from Lockheed Martin he and Carole began to spend time in Florida where they enjoyed their new community and the lifestyle. They were able to continue to spend summers in Northern Virginia where they frequently could be seen on a sideline of a basketball game or soccer field cheering for a grandchild.

Nick will be missed by all of his family and friends. He served as an example of faith, citizenship and loyalty to family. Those who were lucky enough to spend time with him will certainly carry his example forward.

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