December 31, 2025
The Passing of Bill Kohtanycz
Dear USNPAA Members,
It is with deep sadness that we report the recent passing of Bill Kohtanycz.
Bill was a longtime civil servant and broadcast engineer for Navy Broadcasting Service, Naval Media Center and Defense Media Activity. Bill had decades-long ties to the Navy public affairs community, especially on high visibility projects like Direct to Sailor Television and support to the Navy activities supporting McMurdo Station. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he studied marketing and electrical engineering, Bill was a strong strategic thinker and supporter to the Fleet and Armed Forces Network outlets. While he never served in uniform, he gave many years to those who did.
Unfortunately, Bill’s passing came much too quickly, precluding his ability to enjoy retirement. He had recently submitted his paperwork to retire from DMA Anacostia-Broadcast Operations.
Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Day at his home in Alexandria, Va. Bill was 69 and had a heart of gold. He had a sharp wit and many interests, but his main passion was his friends. Bill is survived by his sister and other extended family.
There will be a celebration of life later for friends and colleagues. The date has yet to be determined.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes
The Passing of Bill Kohtanycz
Dear USNPAA Members,
It is with deep sadness that we report the recent passing of Bill Kohtanycz.
Bill was a longtime civil servant and broadcast engineer for Navy Broadcasting Service, Naval Media Center and Defense Media Activity. Bill had decades-long ties to the Navy public affairs community, especially on high visibility projects like Direct to Sailor Television and support to the Navy activities supporting McMurdo Station. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he studied marketing and electrical engineering, Bill was a strong strategic thinker and supporter to the Fleet and Armed Forces Network outlets. While he never served in uniform, he gave many years to those who did.
Unfortunately, Bill’s passing came much too quickly, precluding his ability to enjoy retirement. He had recently submitted his paperwork to retire from DMA Anacostia-Broadcast Operations.
Bill passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Day at his home in Alexandria, Va. Bill was 69 and had a heart of gold. He had a sharp wit and many interests, but his main passion was his friends. Bill is survived by his sister and other extended family.
There will be a celebration of life later for friends and colleagues. The date has yet to be determined.
Tom Jurkowsky
President
More Notes