Age 89, of Batavia, died peacefully Friday morning January 13, 2012 at United Memorial Medical Center with his beloved daughter Cheryl at his side.
He was born in Batavia, August 7, 1922, the fifth of ten children of the late John and Frances (Wozniak) Kowalik. he was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth (Williams) Kowalik in 2007, sisters Irene Kulikowski, Connie Brazzell, Delores Slater, and brothers Raymond & Jerome Kowalik.
John was a World War II Navy Veteran of the Bombing Squad 151, Pacific Theater. He was awarded the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, American Campaign, World War II Victory, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, and Air medals.
John retired from Dohler-Jarvis, and worked for the US Census Bureau. He belonged to Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart), Holy Name Society, Sacred Heart 20 Week Club, Polish Falcons Nest #493, where he started the Polish Falcons Bowling League, Polish Civic Club, life member of VFW and D.A.V., Dohler-Jarvis Quarter Century Club, former President of the Dohler-Jarvis retirees, and a member of the former Moose, Elks, and Saint Nicks Clubs; and a lifelong member, former trustee, and a member of parish council, of Sacred Heart Church. John also played baseball for the Polish Falcons. John was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt, trap, and fish, bowler, and loved the NY Yankees, playing poker and Bingo, traveling to Seneca Casinos, and wintering in Bradenton, FL.
He leaves behind his daughter Cheryl Kowalik, and daughter by affection Barbara Matarazzo both from Batavia, sisters Barbara Alvut of Batavia, Virginia Kowalik of Rochester, brothers Robert (Betty) Kowalik of Webster, and Arthur (Beverly) Kowalik of N. Chili, sisters-in-law Laura Kowalik, Florence Williams both of Batavia, brothers-in-law Donald Brazzell of Medina, Larry (Lorraine Nolan) Williams, Sister-in-law Terry Williams of Attica, and Arthur (Cathy) Williams all of Batavia, several nieces and nephews, and loving and caring friends.
Family and friends may visit from 4-8:00 PM on Friday January 20, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where a eulogy and prayers will be heard at 11:00 AM followed by a 12:00 Noon Mass of Christian Burial in Ascension Parish (Sacred Heart Site). Memorials in John's memory can be made in mass offerings or to the family for donations to several organizations. Entombment will be in the Monsignor Frances L. Schwartz Mausoleum in St. Joseph's Cemetery. For more information or to send flowers please call Michael at (585)343-7500 and members of the Holy Name Society are asked to assemble at 6:00 PM Friday evening at the Funeral Home to recite the Rosary.
THE FAMILY OF JOHN K. "JACK" KOWALIK IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
