William J. Kowalski

Mr. William J. Kowalski, 79, of Lindbergh Ave, Amsterdam, passed away Friday, October 29, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Amsterdam, NY on June 12, 1931 a son of Stephen and Julia Rutkowski Kowalski. He was a 1949 Graduate of the former St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam and played Varsity Basketball and Baseball, and in his later years was an avid supporter of the Mohawks. The team, not the haircut. William was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1950 to 1954, too. He neither confirmed nor denied that he may have once punched Stalin right in the kisser. For 30+ years Mr. Kowalski was employed as a Sales Rep. for the Mohawk Finishing Products in Dallas, Texas before moving with his wife Sylvia back to the Amsterdam area in 2004. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in North Fort Myers Florida, the Italian American Club in Cape Coral Florida, and the Knights of Columbus in Irving Texas, in addition to being a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam. Several in his family had no idea what that meant. What he enjoyed most of all was being in the company of his friends and loved ones. This included lunch with his grandsons, breakfast with his friends, and feasts with his family. William's hobbies included golf, bowling, and Jazz Music. It should be noted that being a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan did not directly contribute to his condition, though it is possible, until recently, routing for the Texas Rangers may have. He is survived by Sylvia D. Gavel Kowalski, his main squeeze and dance partner of 59 years. In addition to his loving wife other survivors include his son William Kowalski Jr. Jennifer of Kingston, Washington. One daughter, Kim Quackenbush Derek of Perth, NY. One brother, Robert Kowalski Corrine of Amsterdam and one sister, Phyllis Majewski Edward of Broadalbin, NY. Two grandsons, Jon Quackenbush Tara of Troy, NY and Ryan Quackenbush eligible of Perth, NY. One Aunt, Jean Trainosky of Amsterdam. Brothers-in-Law, Joseph Gavel and John Gavel Joyce. Sisters-in-law, Dolores Miller and Carolyn Deay Tom, several nieces nephews and cousins as well as his lifelong friend Roger Luft also survive. A Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday November 2, 2010 at 11:00A.M. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, East Main St. Amsterdam with Father John Medwid as celebrant. Inurnment will be held at the convenience of the family at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Amsterdam, Manny Corners Rd., Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Montgomery County S.P.C.A., State Highway 5S, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010. Please sign William's online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com. This message has been approved by Pop.