Robert Louis Turkoly-Joczik

LTC (R) USA, Robert Louis Turkoly-Joczik, Ph.D. (TJ) of Wadmalaw Island passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015. He was the son of Louis Joczik and Margaret Joczik Sabo. He was born Aug 5, 1931 in McKeesport, PA where he graduated from St Peter's Catholic High School. With the outbreak of the Korean War, he attended Officer Candidate School at FT Benning, GA where he graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry officer. He served with the 40th Infantry Division and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Star. Afterwards, he returned to college and graduated from California University of Pennsylvania in California, PA with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Once again he answered the call of duty and became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He found his true calling in the military when he graduated from the Special Forces Warfare School in 1961. His affiliation with the Special Forces took him to Okinawa where he met the love of his life, Kiyo. Their marriage lasted 54 years and they raised four children together during numerous moves within and out of the United States. During his time in the military, Robert held many titles. Some career highlights were Chief of Mission Relations in the United States Military Mission to Saudi Arabia; Battalion Commander, United States Army Special Forces, Republic of Vietnam and Chief of Operations, Unconventional Warfare Division, United States Readiness Command at MacDill Air Force Base. He advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the Army. He was the proud recipient of the Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge with Star, Master Parachutist Badge, as well as numerous American and foreign decorations for his 28 years of military service. After retiring in Tampa, FL, he became a successful real estate broker/owner of Five Star Realty Company before embarking in a career in academia. Understanding the importance of education throughout his life, he earned diplomas from the Defense Language Institute, United States Army Command and General Staff College, Master of Arts with Honors Degree from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Great Britain, His emphasis on education instilled in him a sense of purpose to educate others and he became Vice President of Academic Affairs at Kemper Military School and College, Boonville, MO. He also served as an Adjunct Professor for both the University of Maryland and Central Texas College in their European and Mediterranean divisions and Professor of Leadership and Assistant Professor of History at Johnson and Wales University. He contributed to numerous professional journals before retiring in 2004. One of the assignments he was most proud of was as a United Nations Civilian Observer Treaty and Arms Control Specialist for the Multinational Force and Observers, where he applied his linguistic training and military experience in the peace-keeping efforts in the Sinai Peninsula. He was a member of the following associations: Freemasons, Shriners, Special Forces Association, 82nd Airborne Division Association, Washington Light Infantry, Institute of Foreign Studies, Fellow Royal Asiatic Society, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Who's Who in American Education, Member of the Davis Island Yacht Club in Tampa and the Retired Officers' Association. He was awarded the United Kingdom University Chancellors International Scholar Award, Great Britain and the Freedom Foundation Award. Among the many titles and positions he held, none were more important than that of loving husband, father and grandfather. He will always be remembered for his unconditional love, astonishing intellect, gracious charm and ability to engage in conversation on any topic. A voracious reader, a proficient artist and sculptor, a lover of the arts, literature and classical music, he always shared his knowledge and guidance with his family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Louis Joczik and Margaret Joczik Sabo and stepfather, John Sabo. He leaves behind his loving wife Kiyo, daughters Beatrice Joczik of Jacksonville, FL, Joyce Flowers of Wadmalaw Island, SC, sons LTC Gordon Joczik of Wadmalaw Island, SC, and CDR USNR (R) Mark Joczik (Jenny) of Shelburne, VT. In addition he is survived by grandsons, Alexander and Hayden Flowers of Daniel Island, SC, William and Edward Joczik, granddaughter Elizabeth Joczik, all of Shelburne, VT and beloved family cat, Little Max. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Drs. Stanley Wilson and Gene Saylors, Roper Hospital, Roper Rehabilitation Hospital and Roper Hospice for their excellent care and support. Private family services at Magnolia Cemetary and memorial service is planned for a later date. Arrangements by PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, 11 Cunnington Ave., Charleston, SC 29405, (843) 722-2555. Online condolences may be left at www.palmettocremationsociety.com