Gregory Jacob Owczarski

Lieutenant Colonel Gregory J. Owczarski dedicated Dad, Dzia Dzia, Uncle, Brother and Friend died peacefully in his Lake Sharon home at the age of 71 on February 11, 2020.

Often mistaken for Brad Pitt, Col. Dzia Dzia was born on May 8, 1948, in Chicago, IL to Thaddeus and Wanda (Pisowicz) Owczarski.  He enlisted in the Air Force in 1967.  He later graduated cum laude from Inter-American University of Puerto Rico with a degree in Business Administration in 1973 and was a Distinguished Graduate of Officer Training School that same year.  He began his officer career as a Combat Targeting Officer at Ellsworth AFB, SD with the Minuteman II ICBM weapon system.  Later he served as the Wing Missile Safety Officer.

In 1980, he was among the initial cadre to form the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s M-X (Peacekeeper) Test Team. During his tour at Vandenburg AFB, CA he earned his Master’s degree in Business Management from Golden Gate University and was selected for promotion to Major three years below-the-zone.

A loyal airman, Gregg concluded his decorated 26-year Air Force career serving as Commander, 406th Tactical Fighter Training Group in Zaragoza AB, Spain. During his long career he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal five times and the Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star for his service during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Following his retirement, he relocated to Freeport, FL, where he kept his pantry and bar stocked for Happy Happy Hour get togethers.  He served as the Tri-Village Fire Department Commissioner, the Lake Sharon Estates Home Owners’ Association President (multiple terms), the Unofficial Neighborhood Party Host and an avid SEC football and Chicago sports fanatic.

He is survived by his loyal dog Maggie; former wife, Anne (Piechur/Owczarski) Sachs; daughters Jennifer and Stefanie (Tony); granddaughters Kaia and Ava; sister Christine (Norb); nieces Danielle (Bob), Lara (Jen), Nicole (Mike) Elizabeth (David), Natalie, Alison, Jessica and Kate; nephews Dan (Mary) and Doug (Connie); sister-in-law Rita.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Wanda; father, Thaddeus; and brother, Daniel.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. February 21, 2020, with inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery.  Those wishing to honor his legacy should Clean Your Room. Flowers may be sent to McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home, 1405 East John Sims Parkway, Niceville, FL 32578.  Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory (https://www.diabetes.org/).

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