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Stanley Sowa Obituary
The son of Stanley and Clara Sowa, Stan was born in Nanticoke on Dec. 12, 1939.
He was a father, grandfather, an artist, a gardener, a writer, a wood carver and an active member of St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke, where he also served as a Eucharistic minister.
Stan was a 1957 graduate of Nanticoke High School and graduated from Pennsylvania State University, Class of 1961, with a bachelor's degree in general engineering. He was employed as a professional land surveyor for 28 years by Smith Miller & Associates Inc., Kingston, and later by Clough Harbour & Associates LLP, Moosic, from where he retired.
Stan was past state president of the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors, and he served his community on the board of directors of the Luzerne Conservation District. In 1981, he was celebrated as the recipient of the Surveyor of the Year Award presented by the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for his dedication and service to his profession.
He received the Distinguished Service Award in 1984 from the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors for his leadership as state president of the society. Then, in 1987, he received recognition as the Distinguished Alumni Award presented by the Pennsylvania State University College of Engineering.
Stan loved the outdoors, and his commitment to the natural environment was a deep part of his spirituality and evident in even a partial listing of his activities, accomplishments and awards. He was a deputy wildlife conservation officer for 28 years. He wrote numerous outdoors columns for area newspapers and hosted Warmland Outdoors on WARM radio.
Stan was recognized throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania for his 20 years as co-host of Pennsylvania Outdoor Life on WNEP-TV 16. He was a member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association. The Pennsylvania Game Commission honored him for over 30 years of service as a volunteer hunting and trapping education instructor.
This past fall, he was designated the recipient of the Sportsman of the Year Award from the Northeast Pennsylvania Chapter, Pheasants Forever. With that award came letters from the Senate of Pennsylvania sponsored by Sens. Lisa Baker and Raphael Musto, and a Certificate of Special Recognition from the U.S. House and Representatives signed by Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski.
During the 2007 annual awards program of the Luzerne County Conservation District last June, Stan was named Conservationist of the Year.
Stan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dorothy Schrama Sowa; son, Dr. Matthew Sowa and his wife, Dr. Jill Epstein Sowa, Leesport; daughter, Melissa Sowa Legters and her husband, Douglas Legters, Upper Montclair, N.J.; granddaughter, Naomi Legters; siblings, Joseph and his wife, Marie, Mechanicsburg; sister, Carol Olzinski, Allentown; sister, Barbara Kaczmarczyk, Nanticoke; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends are invited to visit with the family, 6 to 9 p.m., on Tuesday at the Grontkowski Funeral Home P.C., 51 W. Green St., Nanticoke. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke, with the Rev. James Nash officiating. Committal services will be held in St. Mary's Cemetery, Middle Road.
Gifts in memory of Stan may be sent to the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 104, Harrisburg, PA 17110, or St. Mary's Church, Nanticoke.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Sowa
PAMELA MAXWELL-MATHEWS
December 18, 2007
Dorothy,
My heart goes out to you.
I think of you constantly.
I was very sad to hear that Stan passed, but not real shocked because I would ask Cathy F. about him when I would see her.
I lost my husband, I know how hard it is, especially this time of the year.
You did all you could and he was the best as you are. No one has anything negative to say re either of you.
Take one day at a time and please take extra good care of yourself.
I worry about you.
A good man has left us all, be so proud of him and know that he is in total piece.
God bless.
Colleen Fredrickson
December 14, 2007
I was saddened to hear of Stan's passing. We didn't work together often but I always enjoyed working with him at the EXPO. He was a very nice person and will be missed by many. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Brent Birth
December 13, 2007
Stan was a great guy and an encouragement to me. He could put a positive spin on almost every situation. I wish I could have spent more time with him throughout my career as a fellow surveyor and gained more through his experiences in life and surveying.
Karen Kopec
December 12, 2007
Dear Dorothy & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of a wonderful man.
Stan was such a personable man both in his private life as well as all the years I have watched him on t.v.
May you find comfort knowing that he is in a better place and will always be watching over you.
The love you carry in your heart lets you know that he is always near.
Tom & Beverly Shaffer
December 12, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family..We were sad to hear about your loss. It was great to work with Stan as deputies with the Pa Game Commission. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Gardner
December 12, 2007
Dear Mrs. Sowa, Matthew and Melissa,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies at the loss of your husband and father. As you may remember, it was approximately one year ago when my father passed away, and I will always remember your family's attendance at his funeral. I apologize for living so far away that I could not be present to personally extend my hand to each of you and offer my sympathies. Please know that each and every time that I would speak to my mother via the phone, she would provide for me an update on Mr. Sowa. Both my mother and father greatly respected and liked Mr. Sowa, as they do all of your family.
I fully acknowledge that words are somewhat meaningless at this time in your life, however, years from now, you will re-read this guest book and the numerous literary offerings provided by so many individuals. And these words will provide comfort and instill in you the knowledge that Mr. Sowa's life mattered - and mattered to many. Peace be with each of you. God Bless.
Lois and Bill Komnath
December 11, 2007
To the Sowa Family.
We were very sorry to hear about Stan. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always have happy memories of you.
John Levitsky
December 11, 2007
To the Sowa Family,
I knew Stan through our mutual interests in the outdoors, the environment and consulting. His knowledge, personality and positive outlook on life was always a pleasure. May God bless him on his travel home and all his family in their future.
Joseph Farley
December 11, 2007
Dear Dorothy, and Family, Even though I never met Stan, as an avid PA Outdoor Life veiwer, my family welcomed Stan into our living room every Sunday evening. We throughly enjoyed his honest , neighborly approach to the outdoors. Please accept my Families condolences, on your Families great loss.
Dave & Cheryl McGovern
December 11, 2007
Dorothy, Melissa, and Matt,
Our hearts weep for your loss; our prayers long for your comfort. Stan touched so many lives including ours, through Outdoor Life and even the men's venison dinner at our church. He was truly a good and admirable man with a smile for everyone. Heaven is rejoicing for this angel coming home.
Frank Zeske
December 11, 2007
I worked with Stan for a number of years at SMA and admired his honesty and forthrightness. He will be missed by many.
Mary Theresa Temarantz
December 11, 2007
To Dorothy and family:
Stanley will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
We will again see him at the end of "Life's Journey".
Pat (Gayda) Sergott
December 11, 2007
To 'Tozia', we graduated together, to Carol, my cousin's wife, and Joe, classmate--my deepest and sincere condolences to the whole family. It is obvious Stan was loved and cherished by many! May you all remember the best of times while he was with us...Pat (Gayda) Sergott
John Baloga
December 11, 2007
Stan was a great man! I had the opportunity to work with him when I just started in the TV business at PA Outdoor Life . The respect and professionalism he showed to me will never be forgotten. A True Gentleman!
JOSEPH SHIBILSKI (PRZYBYLSKI)
December 11, 2007
STAN AND I WERE FRIENDS FOR 62YRS. IT STARTED AT HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL AND CONTINUED TILL HE WENT TO HEAVEN.I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM.
John & Irene Dadey(Deslich)
December 10, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dennis and Jean Irace
December 10, 2007
Our condolences to the Sowa Family.
Worked with and for Stan at SMA from 1973 to 1983. He has left a lasting impression with me due to his personality and professionalism. My wife and I will miss him.
Cathy Branley
December 10, 2007
Dorothy and Family:
My deepest sympathy on your loss. In the days (and years) to come when you are close to tears remember something about Stan that makes you smile.
pamela fedak
December 10, 2007
SOWA FAMILY,
JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT IT WAS GREAT TO HAVE STAN AS A BOSS AND AS A FRIEND.
Gene Pushefski
December 10, 2007
Barb and The Sowa Family:
My sincere and deepest sympathy.
Mark Dougher
December 10, 2007
The show will never be the same. Stan Sowa was the best ever happen to Pa outdoor life
James Creasy
December 10, 2007
My condolences to his family, Stan was a very, very special man. It was a privilege to have known and worked with Stan, to discuss serious issues at PSLS meetings at Blakeslee or reminisce over a beer at his cabin. I'll never forget his humor and his smile...he made everyone laugh...and no one could light up a room with a smile better than Stan. I knew him best as a fellow land surveyor and his work with the Pennsylvania Society of Land Surveyors. Like many, I enjoyed him immensely on WNEP's Pennsylvania Outdoor Life. I see his survey notes made for the Pennsylania Game Commission often and I can't say enough how good a friend and fellow surveyor he was. The cream of the crop, Mr. Owl Man...you will sorely be missed by all. God Bless.
Ed Janison
December 10, 2007
To the family of Stan Sowa:
I am a former resident of NE PA. I met Stan at the funeral of my grandfather, Ed Janison. I remember watching Stan on TV as I was growing up. He will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed.
Jackie Vass, POL Field Staff Member
December 10, 2007
I am honored and feel priveleged to have worked with Stan on Pennsylvania Outdoor Life. He was a caring, professional, and genuine person, that would help others and give them guidance to help them succeed, he will be missed.
Jaison Fierro
December 10, 2007
I only knew Stan for a short period of time when I began at Clough Harbour in 2003, but to me, Stan was one of the greatest guys you could ever meet. He was honest, always smiling, and had a positive outlook for every situation that confronted him. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family in their times of need. He will be missed by all...
David L. Standinger
December 10, 2007
To the Sowa family,
Stan touched so many lives throughout his life; I am one of the fortunate and will always remember the awesome examples he set.
Peace be with you through these difficult times.
Maureen Labrosky
December 10, 2007
I had worked with Stan for 3+ years and he has made a lasting impression on me. He was a good man and will be dearly missed.
Bob & Patti Montalbano
December 10, 2007
Stan Sowa was a delight to know and love. His smile was ever present and unforgetable. Our prayers go to heaven with Stan for Dorothy and the family. We prayer for peace in knowing that Stan is happy in his place with God.
Theresa Yankoski Wyzinski
December 10, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to the Sowa family. My husband Walter and I met Stan at the Columbia Mall when Channel 16 was there. I also belonged to St. Marys Church in Nanticoke and would see Stan there.
Anthony Paoletti
December 10, 2007
I am not sure if you remember who I am, but I was a tennant of yours who lived above the garage in the early 1990's before I moved to Chicago. He was a great man, who always had a nice thing to say to me whenever he saw me or one of my family members. God Bless him and your whole family at this time.
Bill Schultz
December 10, 2007
I had the privelege of working with Stan from time to time @ WNEP. He had a way of understanding people and finding the best in them. He regarded his family as the most important in his life - to them my condolences. I thank him for being a friend.
Lawrence Lasecki
December 10, 2007
Stan and I met in the 8th grade.We remained good buddies throughout high school. Stan was a very fine person. I am fortunate to have known him.
Ray Knaub
December 10, 2007
To the entire Sowa family
I got to know Stan as the auditor of the Luzerne Conservation District. I cannot thank him enough for the insights that he provided to me. Take comfort in the fact that Stan was such a wonderful man and that God has certainly welcomed him into His Kingdom. I'm betting that he already has bagged his limit in whatever wildlife is in season there! STAN, YOU WILL BE MISSED.
James Donnelly
December 9, 2007
I worked with Stan for 3 1/2 years on PA Outdoor Life. Stan was a great man..honesty, hard-working, and always smiling.. that's how I will remember stan. And yes.. the perogies..
Uncle John and Cioci Mania Kowalski
December 9, 2007
Loving God and Father in the midst of so much suffering, you called Stan to your home. His spirit is no longer confined to his body his pain has ended. Stan will be missed by those left behind. He did so much good for all. We know that Stan was greeted by choirs of angels and he had joyous reunion with those who went on before him. May he now rest in the peace of heaven.
Tim Karlson
December 9, 2007
Stan was so wonderful to work with during my short time co-hosting with him on Pennsylvania Outdoor Life. Rest peacefully my friend.
You deserve it for being so kind to me and so many others.
May God Bless-
Tim Karlson
WNEP-TV
Mike Stevens
December 9, 2007
Stan was a kind and gentle man who loved family, home and the outdoors. I am proud to call him my friend.
Gerard O'Donnell
December 9, 2007
I didn't know Stan personally but enjoyed him on WNEP. Wish his family and friends comfort in their troubling times...God Bless
Gerald Szmurlo
December 9, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sowa family. Stan & I were classmates.
Craig Rinehart
December 9, 2007
My family shares in your grief at this time of year. We just lost my grandmother and the shock has still not worn off and may not for awhile.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and know that STAN is looking down smiling on each one of you daily.
wilson and winifred reakes
December 9, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Bob & Dee Donnora
December 9, 2007
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
RUTH+robert DUNHAM
December 9, 2007
sorry to hear about your lost on 16 we watch ya alot
Julie Nichols
December 9, 2007
Dear Tozia and family,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the wonderful memories of your life together bring you comfort in your time of sorrow. Love, Warren and Julie
Chad Lello
December 9, 2007
Stanley was one in a million. He was truely a good person. He touched my life early in my career and touched everyone that knew him. I am honored to know him and he will truely be missed. The world needs more Stan's.
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