Michael Kowal

BARRE and WEST YARMOUTH — Michael Kowal of Barre and West Yarmouth, Mass. died on Feb. 14 at the age of 74. A devoted and dedicated husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by a loving family, including his wife of 52 years, Pauline "Polly" (Puchalsky) of Barre and four children: daughter Barbara Kowal of Austin, Texas; daughter Cindy Dobbin of Bedford, N.H.; son Michael and wife Shawna of Barre and daughter Kristin Tebo and her husband, David of Oakham. He took great delight in his six grandchildren: Nicholas and Alyssa Kowal of Barre, Brendan and Kerryn Dobbin of Bedford, N.H. and Charlotte and Matthew Tebo of Oakham. He also leaves his brother, Theodore "Jim" Kowal and wife Pat, of Barre; and sister Evelyn (Kowal) Blake and husband Bob of Naples, Fla. Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother, Theodore and Annie Kowal, formerly of Barre.

Michael was a 1953 graduate from Barre High School. He attended Worcester Junior College and then joined the United States Army and served during the Korean War. He was employed by Massachusetts Electric/New England Power as a customer service manager in Gardner, Mass. and then worked in New England Power's Westborough corporate office until his retirement. He then enjoyed fun and friendship while working for many years at the Harwich Golf Course (Harwich, Mass) on the Cape.

Mike and Polly lived in and raised their family in Barre and also enjoyed a home in West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. They renewed their marriage vows on both their 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries with family and friends.

For many years, Mike dedicated his time to the Town of Barre as Veteran's Agent and as Cemetery Commissioner. A lifetime member of American Legion Post 2 in Barre, he participated in American Legion activities and proudly held the position of Post 2 Commander in 1978, 1979 and 1980. He also coordinated the annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades and activities for the town of Barre.

The family wishes to give sincere thanks to Dr. Stephen Earls, of the Barre Family Health Center, for his commitment, care and support to Michael and his family.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Feb.17, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Pillsbury Funeral Home, 96 South Barre Road in Barre. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church, South St., Barre. Burial will follow with military honors in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the QRHS Kowal/Puchalsky Scholar-Athlete Scholarship Fund c/o 352 Town Farm Road, Barre, MA 01005 or to a charity of your choice.