Chester Richard Kowalski

Chester “Chet” Richard Kowalski was born on May 29, 1935, in Scotia, New York, and passed on January 4, 2019, in Merritt Island, Florida. Chet spent his early years at the Woestina School in Rotterdam Junction, NY. He joined the military in 1953, retiring honorably in 1976 as a First Sergeant after 23 years of service. Along the way, Chet was stationed in at least 10 different locations, including Indiana, Wisconsin, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas, Hawaii, Florida, Germany, and Japan. He served two tours in Vietnam and, throughout his life, was intensely proud of his service and grateful for his experiences and the camaraderie. Chet was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Valor – the 4th highest military award for valor – for heroism in 1967 in Vietnam. As documented in the award, Chet “remained in the open during an intense mortar attack without consideration for his own safety and directed an effective and devastating assault upon the enemy. Sergeant Kowalski demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities under intense combat conditions and his valorous performance of duty under enemy fire reflects greatly upon himself and the military service.” He also received a Meritorious Service Medal in 1976 and other honorable service certificates. After retiring from military life, Chet worked as a building inspector for the city of Melbourne Beach, FL, and then a building official for the city of Rockledge, FL. He enjoyed spending time with his longtime partner, Marianna Hunstad, relaxing, going bowling, gambling, and traveling. One of his favorite trips was to Poland where he explored where his family had been from. Chet was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Merritt Island, FL, and was a member of both the VFW and the American Legion. Chet had two children, Marlene and Gina, from his marriage to Dolores Falcigno Kowalski. He enjoyed seeing 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren born. Chet is predeceased by his parents, Steven and Ida Kowalski, his daughter, Marlene Kowalski Bumpus (Stuart), and a granddaughter, Holly Bumpus Garza (Eric). He is survived and lovingly remembered by his daughter, Gina Palmer (John), grandchildren Charles, Matt (Shannon), Andrea (Kevin), Joseph (Cali), Thomas, and Julie, great-grandchildren, Carson, Jake, Madelyn, and Gracelyn, and many other family members, friends, and service buddies. Friends and family will be received at the Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home (1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island) from 9-10am on Monday, January 14. A service will be held at 10am. Military burial will follow at 1pm at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5525 US Highway 1, Mims). A celebration of life will be held on February 2 at the Elks Lodge in Merritt Island from 2-4pm (1520 Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island). All are invited on February 2, but please rsvp to Marianna.