Bernard M. Kowalski

Despite a very brave battle which he faced with his typical strength and resolve, we are saddened to say we have lost the pillar of our family, Bernard M. Kowalski (88), 'Pop', a longtime resident of Farmington, formerly of Newark, NJ. Ben was a determined and self-made man who lived a long life of unparalleled dedication. He served in the US Navy during WWII and soon after began a cross-country journey to establish his accounting career and life for his family here in CT. When not hard at work Ben enjoyed his passion for running, having become an accomplished marathon runner over the years while also a member of the Hartford Track Club. He was extremely passionate about his gardening, tennis, dancing and first and foremost, memorable times with his family. He was a valued member of the Church of St. Patrick in Farmington, a reliable face in the pews over the years, having also served as their fourth President of the Mens Club. Ben approached each day with a passion for learning and a contagious smile. His love for life and his invaluable lessons he served will benefit us all as we continue to live our lives per his example. Besides his wife of 64 years, Evelyn McHugh Kowalski, his 'Darling', he leaves behind his two supportive and loving daughters, Marie Kowalski Hunt of Farmington and Joan Kowalski McConville and her husband John McConville of Clinton. He was blessed with his grandchildren, Ashley McConville Greenbacker (husband Steve Greenbacker), Megan McConville Girolamo (husband Jimmy Girolamo), Benjamin Daniel Hunt and Blaine Allen Hunt, his great-grandson, Jack Aiden Greenbacker, and was still awaiting to meet his second great-grandchild due in March 2015. He will be deeply missed by all of his special nieces, nephews, family and friends who he leaves behind. Ben was predeceased by his motherly-figure, Sister Mary Cantalicia of The Felician Franciscan Sisters of Enfield, (province also of Lodi, NJ), whom played a large role in leading him on a faithful path to become such a devout man. Ben has now joined his five siblings, son-in-law Daniel Hunt and many other loved ones who passed before him. Friends and family may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Wednesday, October 29th from 5-7pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Thursday, October 30th at 9:15am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St., Farmington at 10am. Burial with full military honors will be in State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ben's honor to the Felician Franciscan Sisters whose mission was very dear to him, Office of Mission Advancement, Felician Sisters of North America, 871 Mercer Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.