Obituary of Charles J. Kowalski

Charles J. Kowalski, 67, of Locust Avenue, passed away peacefully late Thursday evening at St. Mary's Hospital with his wife and son at his side. Born in Erie, Pa., on August 30, 1942, he was the son of the late Harry and Regina Smogorzewski Kowalsi. He attended St. Stanislaus' Elementary School there and was a graduate of the Erie Technical High School. He moved to Amsterdam in January of 1969 and has since resided here. For over thirty - five years, Chuck was employed in the purchasing department of the General Electric Company in Schenectady, retiring in 1997. He was a member of the GE Quarter Century Club. He then went to work for Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home as an attendant , and for the past twelve years, was a truly dedicated staff member, who loved being of assistance to the bereaved and their family and friends. A devout Roman Catholic, he was a parishoner of St. Stanislaus' Church in Amsterdam and St. Cecilia's in Fonda. For many years, he was co-chair of the parish festival, Eucharistic minister and usher. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of St. Stanislaus'. An avid bowler, Chuck also loved to travel and spend time with family and dear friends. He enjoyed cooking, and with his generous nature, was always sharing his food with others. Chuck was proud of his Polish heritage, and loved polka music and dances. On July 30, 1968 he was united in marriage to the former Theresa Rutkowski. In addition to his beloved wife, he leaves his sons; Ronald Kowalski of Amsterdam, John M. Susan Kowalski of Bellevue, Neb., and Thomas Kowalski of Amsterdam; grandson; Isaiah Kowalski, step-grandson Tanner Horn; brothers; Jerry Sandi Kowalski of Erie, Pa., Robert Karen Kowalski of California, and Donald Pauline Kowalski of Erie, Pa., his twin sister, Charlotte Ron Kujawinski of Erie; sisters in law; Lydia Rutkowski Werner; and Anne George VanHeusen; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. \Services are Tuesday at 9:00 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Funeral Mass , which will be offered at 10:00 am at St. Stanislaus' Church. Fr. Patrick Gallagher, OFM Conv., celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus' Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.