It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Chad P. Kousky, who died on February 18, 2026, three days after an automobile accident, surrounded by his loving family. Born on 22 July 1993, at Parkview Hospital in Brunswick, Maine, Chad was the eldest of seven children born to Todd and Jennifer Kousky. Chad was a devoted servant of God, a loving son, brother, and friend, and a faithful member of the Catholic community.

Chad graduated from Brunswick High School in 2011. Of his many high school activities, he especially enjoyed baseball. As a Boy Scout in Troop 633, Chad earned Eagle Scout. His Eagle project beautified the Memorial and Friendship Courtyard Gardens of the former NAS Brunswick Chapel (now Brunswick Naval Aviation Museum) for the chapel's closing ceremony. He continued his education at West Virginia University, earning a degree in civil engineering in 2016. During this time, Chad completed a summer internship with Boeing, which led to a 10-year career as a Quality Engineer.

Driven by a desire to serve his country, Chad became an Air Force Reserve pilot. While on military leave from Boeing, Chad received his commission from Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama in 2021. He achieved his dream of becoming an Air Force Pilot after graduating Undergraduate Pilot Training from Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma in 2023. After qualifying on the new Boeing KC-46 Pegasus, Chad brought his infectiously positive attitude to the 79th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) at Travis Air Force base in August 2023.

At the culmination of his full-time reserve orders with the 79th ARS, Chad selflessly volunteered to deploy on active duty for sixty days through February 13, 2026 to support the strategic buildup of SOUTHCOM regional assets. Chad was awarded the Air and Space Commendation Medal for his role, to include piloting the KC-46 overland Venezuela during the successful capture of Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro.

Chad was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, finding strength in Christ and persevering through his trials. He made ties to the church everywhere he lived, to include daily Mass and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. His faith has had a lasting impact on the spiritual lives of many people. His fun-loving demeanor and steadfast kindness to others will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

A true outdoorsman, Chad enjoyed flying small airplanes, hiking, kayaking, skiing, sailing, camping, and hunting-- activities that reflected his adventurous spirit and zest for life. Chad is survived by his beloved parents, Todd and Jennifer Kousky, siblings, Paul (Jessica) Kousky, Eric Kousky, Anna Kousky, James Kousky, Christopher Kousky, and Eva Kousky; nephew and Godson, Luke Kousky; grandparents, Patricia Crane and David (Mildred) Kousky, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Chad is preceded in death by grandparents, Mark Crane and Deborah Lapka.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 4420 Geary Blvd., San Francisco, CA on Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m., followed by inurnment with full military honors at the Golden Gate National Cemetery at 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, honoring Chad's life of faith, service and devotion.

Chad's life was a testament to courage, faith and love. May he rest in eternal peace in the embrace of Our Lord.