Atkinson, NH: Valentine J. "Val" Kozak, 82, a resident of Atkinson for the past several years, died peacefully at his home on May 28, 2025. Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, son of the late Valentine and Jennie (Dys) Kozak, he was raised and educated in Dracut and graduated from Dracut High School with the Class of 1960. A veteran of the Vietnam War era, Val served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 until his honorable discharge in 1966 and was a recipient of the Navy Good Conduct Medal.

Following his discharge from the service, Val moved to Haverhill and was employed by the U.S. Postal Service at the Haverhill and Woburn Post Offices. He later worked as a culinary instructor at the Work Activities Center, and as a chef at the Bella Vista Restaurant, DiBurro's Restaurant and the Open Hearth. He also was employed in the mailroom and supply room of BayBank and retired from the Haverhill Public Works Department. In his retirement he worked part-time as a greenskeeper at the Atkinson Country Club.

Val was a longtime member of the AmVets and enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking and playing Keno at the American Legion in Haverhill.

Predeceased in 2017 by his loving wife, Joyce J (Deveau) Kozak, he is survived by a daughter, Karen McNamara of Haverhill, two step daughters, Lynne Murray and Gail Murray,  a brother and sister-in-law, Peter and Laurie Kozak of Amherst, NH, three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Alice and Martin Viega of Lowell, MA, Victoria LaCourse, of Nashua, NH, and Cheryl and Dennis Long of Center Ossipee, NH, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

Private calling hours and burial services will be held for the family under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, of Plaistow. Those wishing to honor Val's memory are invited to make a contribution to the Atkinson Elder Services Transportation Fund.