David L. Koskoski's Obituary
David L. Koskoski, age 87, passed away Friday, February 17, 2023, in Rogers, Arkansas, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 8, 1935, in Washington County, PA to the late Mike and Josephine Koskoski. David is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Adelaide Rose Koskoski.
David grew up in Donora, PA and after high school joined the United States Marine Corps. As a member of the Marines, he played in the band and was stationed in Parris Island, SC and Okinawa, Japan. He then attended Morehead State University where he met his wife, Joan. Following college, he attained a master’s degree from Marshall University, pursued doctoral studies at Indiana University and Memphis State University, and traveled internationally with the Mexicali Brass.
David was an extraordinarily talented musician. He spent most of his career as a professor of music at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. In addition to teaching his many students, he performed with numerous well-known artists including many Motown legends, the Sunnyland Jazz Band, and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, of which he was a proud member for 25+ years.
When he wasn’t practicing the trumpet or spending time with his family, David enjoyed fishing and building model trains, always creating something new to add to the landscape of his N gauge train set. David was known for his playful sense of humor and his strong will to live.
David is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan Koskoski; his children, Mary Jo Rivaldo and husband Craig of Bentonville, Michael Koskoski and partner Sara Stiffler of Bentonville, Scott David Koskoski and wife Susan Alman of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Connor Rivaldo and Jack Koskoski; and a host of extended family and friends.
A private service will be held at Fairview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David’s honor may be made to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at https://www.arkansassymphony.org/support or mail to: 2417 N Tyler St, Little Rock, AR 72207.
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