Obituary of David H. Wozniak

SSgt David H. Wozniak, 56, of Old Forge died Tuesday at home following a courageous fight with brain cancer. He is survived by his devoted wife, the former Sharon Powell. They would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on November 7th. Born September 12, 1953 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Michael and Frances "June" Masters Wozniak and a 1971graduate of Riverside High School. He was employed as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 25 years.David was a 34 year member of the U.S. Military. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served as a member of the "Old Guard", the Presidential Guard. He was stationed in Washington, D.C. and performed the military burials at Arlington National Cemetery. He served as a Master Sergeant in the PA Army National Guard, 55 Brigade, and is currently a member of the 193rd Special Operations Wing, PA Air National Guard. He served on active duty during Operation Noble Eagle after 9/11, and was twice deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His military awards and decorations include Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with 4 devices, National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the PA State Service Medal.He was a member of Acacia Lodge 579, Free and Accepted Masons;Taylor American Legion Post 306; VFW Post 396, and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans.David's love of his country and the military is only surpassed by his love of his family. He was totally devoted to his wife and son, always putting their welfare before his own. He was an unassuming man who loved four wheeling in his jeep, hunting, and sitting in his rocking chair with a cup of coffee, a book in his hand, and his dog Sarge by his side. He could fix anything, and willingly assumed the role of the family "handyman". He was an expert on military history and would gladly share his knowledge with anyone, whether they wanted it or not. Also surviving is a son, David, at home; three brothers, Michael S. and wife, Elaine, Pringle; Joseph L. and wife, Mary, Dickson City; Martin J.and wife Robin, Moosic; his mother-in-law, Betty Rooney Powell and companion, Andy Vince, Taylor; a brother-in-law, John Powell and partner Frank Marin, New Jersey; three sisters-in-law, Ellen Pietrowski and husband, Jim; Erin Powell and partner, Jackie Furman; Shannon Cosminski and husband, Greg, all of Taylor; Nephews, Michael Wozniak, Jim and Michael Pietrowski, Robert and Jason Powell, Connor Mailen and Tom Getz; Nieces Jodie, Tamara and Erica Wozniak, Stacy Miller and Gabby Furman. He was preceded in death by a father-in-law, Robert Powell, and a brother-in-law, Robert Powell Jr. The family would like to thank the Hospice of the Sacred Heart , especially the nurses Lois and Diane, who gave such tender care to David at the end of his illness. They would also like to thank all the friends, neighbors and co-workers who supported them throughout David's illness. A special thanks to Jack and Kathy Rooney, Holly Morgan, SuziTaylor, Chris Neary and Julie and Gary Boynosky. We could not have gotten through this without your love, compassion and understanding. The funeral will be Monday at 8:15 a.m. from the Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St, Taylor, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. in Divine Mercy Parish, 312 Davis St, to be celebrated by the Rev. Francis Pauselli, pastor. Interment with full military honors will follow in Ft.Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville. Friends may call Sunday 2-6 p.m. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Vikings Helping Vikings c/o David H. Wozniak Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 270, Taylor, PA 18517. Read David Wozniak's Obituary and Guestbook on www.semiancares.com.