GOWSKI, Edward S. 86, passed away peacefully on Jan. 21, 2013. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he attended Curtis High School, played basketball at Wagner College in Staten Island then graduated from City College of NY. He was a WWII Navy veteran. In 1954, he married Helen (Jankowski) at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic church in Staten Island. He worked as a narcotics detective for over 20 years then retired from NYC Police department. He moved his family in 1969 to Clearwater and owned "Indian Rocks Ice Cream Shoppe" for 20 years. He was a volunteer basketball coach at St. Cecelia's School. In his retirement years, he most enjoyed attending grandchildren's sporting events. He was a longtime member of St. Cecelia Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Stephen Gowski. He is survived by his loving wife Helen, of 58 years; and 5 children, Mary Cunningham, Diane Gowski, MD, Ann (Bill) Freeman, Stephen (Dawn) Gowski, Edward (Wendi) Gowski Jr. He "Papa" was very proud of his 9 grandchildren, Stephanie, Marina, Andriana, William, Edward III, Matthew, Nathan, Stephen Jr. and Lauren. He remained close to sister, Helen Gumkowski of Bayonne, NJ, and brother, Bill Gowski of Madison, NJ. He has 2 brothers-in-law, Paul Jankowski of Phoenix, AZ and Joe (and Chris) Yankowski of Orange County, CA; many nieces and nephews. He is greatly missed and lovingly remembered as a wonderful husband, father "the best" and grandfather, who taught us that what is most important in life is family. Viewing will be held at Rhodes Funeral on Thursday 6-8 pm, 800 East Druid Road, Clearwater. Catholic Mass service is Friday 11 am at St. Cecelia Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
Our love and prayers to your family and you, Steve and Dawn, during your time of mourning. We love you! Amy & Jeff Worman
January 24, 2013
Steve, Dawn and famly-We send our deepest sympathies for your Dad's loss.
Ron and Don
January 24, 2013
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more