Lt. Col. Robert L. Kerzic (Bob) passed away Monday, July 29, 2024 at his home in Mira Mesa, California. Bob was born in Wetumpka, Alabama in October 7, 1936. Bob lived in many places in his life time because of his twenty-six years in the service of the United States Marine Corps. He served his country during the Vietnam War from October 1968 to November 1969. Bob continued to serve in the Marine Corps for a total of 26 years; including Camp Pendelton, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Quantico, Virginia, Camp Lejeune, North Caroline, Parris Island, South Carolina, and Okinawa, Japan. Bob retired from the Marine Corps in 1984. After retiring from the Marine Corps., Bob was the vice principal of Satsuma High School and Alba High School in Mobile, Alabama for twenty years, retiring in 2004.
Bob is preceded in death by his father, Louis Ludwig Kerzic and his mother Roberta Inez Kerzic and his sister Johanna Kerzic of Alabama. Bob is survived in death by his wife, Irene Barnett Kerzic, of California, his brother, Karl William Kerzic of Georgia, three children Holly Kerzic Vert of Oregon, and Karen Kerzic Kepics, of Florida; his son Travis Kerzic of Washington, his 10 grandchildren ; Lee Goswick , Christina Goswick, Jennifer Kepics, Ashley Morales, Brennan Kerzic, Quinn Kerzic , Luke Kerzic , DJ Kerzic , Levi Zimberoff and Ariel Zimberoff .. and six great grandchildren.
Born in Wetumpka, Alabama, his family moved to Mobile, when he was three. He graduated from the University of Alabama (his pride and joy), with a BS in History. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant USMC shortly thereafter. Bob was a consummate story teller. He told tales of his youth, adventures in college and wrote and published a novel, “the Island of Lost Toys.”
Some of Bob’s hobbies include gardening, reading, travel, time with grandchildren and great grandchildren too. Bob loved to be on or near the water. The family took many trips, fishing, water skiing, and enjoying the sunshine.
During his time serving with the Marines Bob received numerous commendations. Some of his awards include: the French Fourragere rope, combat action ribbon, Navy meritorious Unit Citation, Marine Corps Meritorious Chief Citation, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Humanitarian Action.
He was also awarded numerous medals including: the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal (with four stars), Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal (with gold star), Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and a Deployment Medal.
He received 14 personal or unit awards. The award he was most proud of was the Navy Unit award. It was awarded to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment for the Battle of A Bang, June 2-6, 1969. His unit was far outnumbered, but sustained minimal casualties. His award read, “Major R.L. Kerzic planned the operation, and saw to its expert execution.”
Lt. Col Robert Kerzic’s memorial will be held at El Camino Memorial on August 9th, 2024 at 3 pm. If you are unable to attend, live streaming is available via their website: www.dignitymemorial.com.
Comments and condolences can be added to Bob’s interactive obituary.
A service with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery a.
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