Photo courtesy of Habing Family Funeral Home
Oct 17, 1950 - Aug 7, 2025 (Age 74)
I know you´re playing pedro with Stevie, Hank, and Mason, give them my best...My condolences to you loved ones.
Scott Hager
August 19, 2025 | Friend
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Jim and Jeri Kroske
Jim K Kroske
August 18, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Nick Boffa
August 18, 2025 | Friend
Fun lovingFull throttleAll American Nice GuyI will miss your company.
Greg Stein
August 16, 2025 | San Jose, CA | Family
Gentleman with wit and charm. Dieter "Doc" Batty
dieter batty
August 16, 2025 | Modesto, CA | Acquaintance
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Santos Garcia
August 16, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
Love that guy to the moon! Loved all his stories and standing side by side cooking. Looks like we got another angel to watch our backs. God bless Mike and his family. ❤
Danny Martin
August 15, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
Mike was an amazing man, father, husband and father. A beautiful life well lived. He will be missed
Ron and Renee Patterson
August 14, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
To Mike's Family,
So sorry to read the passing of Mike. For many years he was a client of my pharmacy,Gilroy Medical Pharmacy, and he did much work for me due due broken glass during breaking. Mike also did personnel work at our home. Mike was ALWAYS pleasant and had a smile on his face. He was enjoyable to talk with and RIP Mike, you will be missed by all.
Garry Stutheit
August 14, 2025 | Gilroy, CA | Friend
A proud, life-long resident of Gilroy, Michael Nowakowski, lived all 74 years with an energy, warmth and passion that drew people in and made everyone feel welcome. He graduated from Gilroy High School in 1968, was a valued member of the Gavilan Rams football team, and went on to graduate from Chico State in 1974. Mike spent nearly five decades as the valued owner of The Glass Man and Gilroy Mirror and Glass, serving his community with dedication and pride.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Michele and children Meghan (Craig) Kovaleski and Marissa Allen. The proudest grandfather (Packi) to Caroline and Bennett Kovaleski and Alexander Allen. Loving nephew of Joyce (Bobby) Marks, cousin of Jimmy and Tommy Marks, Carol (Dennis) Ritchie and Anne (Brad) Gilbertson. Cousin-in-law to Paulette Heguilustoy, Monique (Jean) Flesher, Denise (David) Shaw, Jean-Jules and Dominika Flesher and Jake and Luke Shaw. He was incredibly loved by his honorary family, Don (Mia) DeLorenzo, Dan (Keri) Rorvik, Bria (Andrea) DeLorenzo, Vincent (Amanda) DeLorenzo, Colby, Kamryn, Kaylee, and Gianna. He cherished his extended family of cousins, great nieces and nephews, Godchildren and lifelong friends—all of whom he deeply loved. His circle was wide, but his heart was wider.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Nowakowski and Mary Cutter; his beloved twin brother, Stephen Nowakowski; and his dear cousin, Robert Marks.
A true presence in every room, Mike had a gift for making people laugh, feel valued and truly welcome. Whether he was cooking a feast for family and friends, playing Pedro with the “Patio People,” or cheering loudly from the stands at his grandchildren’s games, he showed up fully—never halfway, always with humor, enthusiasm, and a little extra volume.
He loved skiing, golfing, and being a member of the Gilroy Sportsman Chef Club. He never missed a Cal football game (“Go Bears!”) and believed music should always be played at the highest possible decibel.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of connection, enthusiasm, and humor. His personality and heart were larger than life, and he made life larger for everyone around him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The First Tee, in his honor.
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