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Nick Gozik
As a young soldier in Europe during WWII, Nick Gozik of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania stood witness as Pvt. Eddie Slovik was executed by firing squad for desertion—the first US service member put to death under that charge since the Civil War.
On November 19, 2011, Nick shared his story at a Veterans Breakfast Club storytelling event in the South Hills. This is the only known recording of Nick sharing his story with the Veterans Breakfast Club.
On October 12, 2015, Nick Gozik passed away at the age of 95.
This memorial presentation of “Nick Gozik: Eddie Slovik Has Died” was produced by Kevin Farkas/Veteran Voices of Pittsburgh Oral History Initiative. Music: Alexander White (“Forever Distant”), Daniele Casolino (“Piccoloa Fuga con Moto Andante”), Travis Nobles (“Morning Forest Bloom”) (Available on Soundcloud.com). Cover image: “Eddie Slovik” by Source (WP:NFCC#4). Licensed under Fair use via Wikipedia.
Special thanks to Chris Rolinson (christopherrolinson.com) for sharing this video.
Age 95, on Monday, October 12, 2015, of Whitehall. Husband of the late Margaret M. (Barrett) Gozik; father of Margaret (Stephen) Calkins, Carol (Ryan) Kapp-Washburn, Nick (Ellen) Gozik, Pat (Ron) Quay, Kathleen (Jeff) Chojnicki and Teresa (Tim) Gozik-Tyson. Also survived by 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Prayer on Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Norbert Church at 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations in Nick’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Please send condolences to:
www.johnfslater.com
