Matthew T. Kostowski

Matthew T. Kostowski
August 29, 2021
Matthew T. Kostowski of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2021 at the age of 97. Born in Stamford to the late Joseph and Victoria Kozlowski, he was the youngest of seven, losing his mother at the age of four and his father at the age of 15. He was lovingly raised by his brothers and sisters, particularly by his sister Helen. As a boy growing up during the Depression, he was happiest playing in the neighborhood woods and fields and caddying at Innis Arden Golf Club in Old Greenwich.
After his graduation from J.M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford, Matt was called to duty in WW II, training at Camp Johnston in Florida, among many other Army training facilities. As a Marine engineer with the 334th Harbor Crafts Company, he shipped from Dover, England to the beaches of Normandy, landing on July 4th, one month after the invasion. Matt was honored with several other WWII veterans at the 2018 Florida International Air Show in Punta Gorda.
Matt was a gifted artist who attended Cooper Union in New York City after the war. Professionally he was a draftsman with Pitney Bowes for over 30 years. A life-long learner, Matt read the Wall Street Journal every day.
For most of his retirement Matt enjoyed traveling with his wife Elsie, pursuing his love of art and drawing, and caring for his beloved home and garden. Then he enjoyed the last seven years living in Sarasota with his daughter Sandra, her husband John and his step-grandson Brian.
Matt was predeceased by his dear wife of 69 years, Elsie M. Kostowski. He is survived by his loving daughter Sandra O'Leary (John) of Sarasota, FL; beloved granddaughters Katherine Canavan Smith (Thomas) of Fairfield, CT and Emily Canavan of Stamford, CT; step-grandsons Brian O'Leary of Sarasota, FL and Tim O'Leary (Robert Rice) of Los Angeles, CA; and his cherished great-grandson Jack Matthew Smith.
Visitation will be from 8:00 until 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 20th at the funeral home, with Mass of Christian Burial following the visitation to be celebrated at Incarnation Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Sarasota National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Matthew Kostowski's memory to Veterans' Outreach, 1933A Whitfield Park Loop, Sarasota, FL 34243 or by visiting www.veteransoutreach.org. Toale Brothers Funeral Homes, Gulf Gate Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences please visit www.toalebrothers.com.