Edward Kowalewski

Edward D. Kowalewski (86), died peacefully at The Farm surrounded by his family on Friday, March 22, 2024, after a courageous and brief battle with lymphoma. Born May 2, 1937, on the Kowalewski family homestead in Uniondale, PA, he was the youngest and last surviving of the eleven children of Walter and Monica Kowalewski.

Ed was a man who exhibited incredible determination and perseverance throughout his life and was a pillar of strength for his family. With his devoted wife of 61 years, Philomena, who passed in 2021, they lovingly raised seven children, encouraging and supporting each of them in all of their endeavors. As his family grew with the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he continued to instill in each of them the desire to live their lives with purpose and value. He will be remembered for his love of all who surrounded him.

Ed served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956-1959 and was a life member of the Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company. Ed was known for his mechanical ingenuity, and technical wizardry. Given some stainless steel and pieces of plexiglass he could create anything, and  he did. In fact, NASA still has him on speed dial and rumor is that John Deere contacted him about his lawn tractor canopy design.

Along with Phil, he had a love of football and was an avid Steelers fan. After he retired, he returned to the family homestead which came to be known as The Farm. He spent countless hours tinkering and building while sharing his mechanical knowledge and skills with his grandchildren. For years he meticulously maintained the beauty of the acreage that surrounded him. He also had a love of gardening that was always on display and the harvest was shared with all. While venturing throughout NEPA, his travels were documented by spectacular photographs that he shared with friends, family, and the local TV station.

Ed, Dad, Grandpa, G-paw, Great-Grandpa – You will be missed dearly, cherished always, and forever be in our hearts!

Ed is survived by his children: Madelyn and Fran Mlinar, Lawrenceville, NJ; Edward, Jr. and Mary Jo Kowalewski, Saranac Lake, NY; Monica and Bill Duffy, Queensbury, NY; Marti and Bob Smith, Oak Ridge, NJ; Joe and Michele Kowalewski, Gansevoort, NY; Matthew and Katie Kowalewski, Freehold, NJ; and Mark and Laura Kowalewski, Clifford Township; grandchildren: Jacob, Austin, Josh, Lauren, Ross, Owen, Samantha, Kristin, Corey, Anna, Nate, Leo, and Jack; and great-grandchildren: Eleanor, Benjamin, Ida, Easton, and Braxton.

A Mass of Christan Burial will be held at Noon on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Church, 739 Delaware Street, Forest City, PA 18421. Internment in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Viewing will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, March 25, 2024, in the Kevin M. Lesjack Funeral Home, 513 Main St., Forest City, PA 18421.

Memorial contributions can be made in Ed's name to: Clifford Township Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 10, Clifford, PA, 18413.

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