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Marra Funeral Home

246 Remsen St

Cohoes, New York

Richard Kowalski Obituary

Kowalski, Richard Peter Sr. COLONIE Richard Peter Kowalski Sr., 76, of Cohoes, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2017, after a long illness. He was surrounded by his family. Richard is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lorraine (LaBeau) Kowalski of Cohoes; his children, Richard Kowalski Jr. of Cohoes, Lisa (Steve) Watts of Porter Corners, Laura Lin of Clifton Park, and Michael Kowalski of Clifton Park; his grandchildren, Tarra Kowalski, Sean (Trisha) Mahoney, Alec (Chelsea) LaFleur, Ashley Lin, Ryan Lin, Matthew Kowalski, and Mitchell Kowalski. Other survivors include Lois LeBeau, Linda LaBeau, Francis (Tanya) LaBeau, Fred (Carol) Bestle, Ginny (Bill) Zullo, multiple nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, and their dog Max. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Marianna Kowalski; his brother, Victor Kowalski; his grandson, Trevor Lin; and Joe Bestle. Richard was born on June 26, 1941, in Soest, Germany. He immigrated to the United States after World War II. He graduated from Keveny High School in Cohoes in 1960. After high school, he served three years with the U.S. Army where he reached the rank of E-5. During his tenure, he specialized as an interpreter. After his discharge from the military, he attended Hudson Valley Community College and SUNY Albany and worked in various sales positions in the Capital District. He married his high school sweet heart on November 30, 1963. Together they enjoyed taking long drives on the motorcycle and drinking coffee along the way. Richard also loved playing the accordion, the guitar and singing along to his favorite songs. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 21, at 1 p.m. in the Marra Funeral Home, 246 Remsen St., Cohoes. Interment will follow in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on December 21, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard's name to a charity of your choice.

Published by Albany Times Union on Dec. 17, 2017.
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i'm so sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Sending you love and comfort in this difficult time. much love, patricia

Patricia

December 21, 2017

Grandpa Kowalski was a good man & will enjoy more experiences with his grandson Trevor now... Maybe Simba will go visit his shoes? With much warmth & memories from deployment, Henry

Henry Lin

December 21, 2017

Lorraine and family, we are so sorry for your loss.

Jim & Lori Zareski

December 18, 2017

Rich, Lisa, Laura & Mike. My sincerest condolences on the passing of your dad. I have many great memories of him playing basketball with us all at the park. Your dad was a great neighborhood leader and would always go out of his way to help any of us. May he rest in peace now.

Andrew Warenchak

December 18, 2017

Lorraine I was so sorry to hear this sad news. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. At times like this I wish I lived closer.
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
JoAnn & Brad.

December 17, 2017

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Marra Funeral Home

246 Remsen St, Cohoes, NY 12047

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