Obituaries

David “Dave” Gdalia Koziol

This obituary is written with love, by Dave’s mother and 2 sisters, to share the life of her son and our brother. Dave will be missed by many, and never forgotten. We are sad he left us so early. Age 58 years old, passed away in his home in Taos, NM, on September 9, 2020 after a 1 year and 9 month battle with Small Cell Lung Cancer. He courageously fought this metastatic disease with the love and support of his partner/wife, family, friends, and with his faith in Jesus Christ. Dave is survived by his loving and supportive mother Elizabeth Comer, CA, his wife Julianne Ardemagni, Taos, NM, his son Michael Koziol, CA, and his two sisters Evelyn Pugmire,

CA, and Susan Koziol, WA; as well as two nieces and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his father Stuart Koziol, stepfather John Pridemore, and his beloved Oma and Opa. Dave was born on January 20, 1962 in Los Angles California. His biological parents (his father a professional musician, and his mother a college professor), due to circumstances beyond their control, placed Dave up for adoption when he was several months old. Elizabeth and Stuart lovingly adopted and raised him as their own. Dave was provided a drum set and drum lessons at an early age by Elizabeth and Stuart, and was encouraged to practice regularly. (And we can still hear him practicing in the garage to his favorite rock bands). Dave graduated from JF Kennedy High School, in Granada Hills CA, and completed 2 ½ years toward his teaching degree at LA Mission College and CSUN. From November 1983 to November 1986 he served in the US Navy, stationed in San Diego California, aboard the USS Schofield. He served in the Navy Reserves from 1986 to 1989. After Dave completed his naval service, he met and married Cynthia Braley, and together welcomed a son into their home; Michael Stuart Koziol, of Northridge CA. Dave has worked as a professional Drummer, music teacher and landscaper. He worked for the VA in animal research in Van Nuys CA, and in property management in Taos. He was the Drummer for many bands, but best known as the Drummer for “Bones of Romeo”. He loved all creatures great and small, and appreciated Native American culture and spirituality. He identified with the Hoopa Tribe. Sometime around 2010, Dave and Julianne, while living in Southern California, met, fell in love, and moved to Taos NM. They married July 25, 2020. Dave’s family in Southern California plan to hold a memorial service later this fall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society. Visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com