John M. Kowalski

John M. Kowalski, 77, passed away on Thursday. January 1, 2015 at Wesley Long Hospital. John was born on Nov. 10, 1937 In Jermyn, PA, the son of the late Louis and Catherine Polanski Kowalski. He attended Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary School, where he was an altar server and graduated in 1956 from Jermyn High School.

He served his country in the US Army Reserves with the 28th Division and he was a member of the Raymond Henry American Legion, Post #327 in Olyphant, PA. Following his service, he worked with Ford Motor Company, Garlett Corp. and worked as a yardmaster with the Conrail railroad. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Bryan Park Senior Golf League. He attended many Greensboro Grasshoppers baseball games and enjoyed his weekly movie outing, eating out, going to casinos and playing the lottery and sweepstakes. He will be deeply missed.

John is survived by two daughters; Kathryn Garel of Las Vegas, NV and Renee Wilmont of Hamlin, PA; longtime companion, Karen A. Pliska of Summerfield, NC; three sisters, Ann, Julia, and Mary and three grandchildren and three great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Florence.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Eric Kowalski officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Winston Salem Rescue Mission, 717 Oak Street, Winston Salem, NC 27101 or Greensboro Urban Ministry, 305 West Lee Street, Greensboro, NC 27406.