John A. Kowalczyk Sr.

John A. Kowalczyk Sr. November 22, 1947 - January 16, 2012 John A. Kowalczyk, Sr., 64, of Bellefonte, passed away Monday, Jan. 16, 2012. He was born Nov. 22, 1947, in Coupon, a son of the late Stanley and Helen (Dobrowski) Kowalczyk. He was married to Nancy (Buechele) Kowalczyk, who survives at home. John was a 1965 graduate of Galitzin High School. He had worked as a service technician for Verizon, retiring after 33 years of service. John was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bellefonte American Legion Post #33, Undine Volunteer Fire Company #2, and the Knights of Columbus. Along with his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Tammy Watkins (Andy), of Landis, N.C.; one son, Jake Kowalczyk (Lisa), of Bellefonte; two sisters, Helen Ann Summers (Al), of Alexandria, Va., and Jean Wagner (John), of Altoona; two brothers, Ronald Kowalczyk (Florence), of St Augustine, Fla., and Michael Kowalczyk (Geri), of Carthage, N.Y.; and sister-in-law, Alice Kowalczyk, of Ashville. John is also survived by his five grandchildren, Tyler Kowalczyk, and Drew Watkins, both of Landis, N.C., and Landen, Wyatt, and Emma Kowalczyk, all of Bellefonte. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Stanley Kowalczyk. A public visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, from 6-8 p.m., at Wetzler Funeral Service Inc., 206 N. Spring St., Bellefonte. A Vigil for the Deceased will be held Thursday evening, at the funeral home, with Deacon Thomas Boldin. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at 10 a.m., at St John the Evangelical Catholic Church, 134 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, with Father Mark Reid officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in John's name may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, 116 E. Bishop St., Bellefonte, PA 16823 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com