August C. "Gus" Kowalski

August C. 'Gus' Kowalski, Sr.
Loving husband, father, and grandfather;
World War II Army Veteran

LOWELL -- August C. "Gus" Kowalski, Sr., of Lowell, died June 10, 2013, at his home in Lowell, surrounded by his loving family, aged 94 years.

He was the beloved husband of Helen P. (Walus) Kowalski, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell, April 8, 1919, a son of the late Peter and Teofilia Kowalski. He received his early education at the Kenwood Grammar School, attended Lowell High School, and graduated from Dracut High School with the first graduating Class of 1936.

He became associated with the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation in San Diego, CA, as a mechanic on the team which built the B-24 Bomber Aircraft.

Gus enlisted in the U. S. Army on May 29, 1944, serving with Company I, 473rd Infantry, 5th Army, better known as the "Bastard Regiment". He participated in the Northern Apennines and Po Valley Campaigns. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, and was honorably discharged on May 3, 1946.

Mr. Kowalski was a devout member of St. Casimir's Church for 67 years, where he served in several roles, including head of the Men's Society. He ran Bingo night, instituted a children's scholarship program, and sold Polish bread at the Polish booth during Lowell Folk Festivals, where he volunteered for many years, until he was 91. He was also a member of the Dom Polski and Polish American Veterans of Lowell.

Gus was a fabulous story teller who kept us entertained while passing down great tales of family history. He was a kind, generous man who will always be remembered for his love of family, especially his cherished grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Joan E. Spencer, and a son, August C. Kowalski, whose loving care for his dad throughout his illness is deeply appreciated by his grateful Mom; two grandsons, Scott Spencer, and Todd Spencer and his wife, Amy; three adorable great-grandchildren, Maximus, Xavier and Ayden Spencer; a brother, Edward Kowalski and his wife, Helen (Kiluk) of Silver Spring, MD; a sister-in-law, Marion Kowalski; several nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was the step-son of the late Caroline Kowalski, father of the late Kenneth F. Blacksmith, and brother of the late Walter Kowalski.

KOWALSKI -- In Lowell, June 10, 2013. August C. "Gus" Kowalski, Sr., of Lowell, aged 94 years. Beloved husband of Helen P. (Walus) Kowalski. It being his wish, there will be no calling hours. Mr. Kowalski's Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday at St. Casimir's Church, Lowell, at 10:00 AM. Interment with Military Honors in St. Casimir's Cemetery, Pulpit Rock Rd., Pelham, NH. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may make a memorial donation in his name to St. Casimir's Church, 268 Lakeview Ave., Lowell, MA 01850, or to the VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell, 336 Central St., Lowell, MA 01852.

Arrangements entrusted to MORSE-BAYLISS Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Blvd., Lowell. Funeral Directors, Frederick W. Healy and Walter F. Bayliss, Jr. For directions or online condolences, please visit Mr. Kowalski's memorial page at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com.