Hugh Matthew Kowcheck

Hugh Matthew Kowcheck, 78, of Avella, died Saturday, December 9, 2017, in his home.

He was born January 14, 1939, in Avella, a son of the late Peter and Nellie Sankey Kowcheck.

Mr. Kowcheck was a 1957 graduate of Avella High School.

He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, Avella.

Mr. Kowcheck worked as an iron worker for Iron Workers Local 3, Pittsburgh, for the majority of his life.

He loved gardening, fruit trees, hunting rabbits, his dogs and especially going fishing with his brother, Jim.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served from September 10, 1957, until his honorable discharge as an aviation structural mechanic, petty officer third class, September 9, 1963.

On June 8, 1964, he married Esther Ann Sphar, who died April 26, 2016.

Surviving are two sons, Eric (Chanin) Kowcheck and Mark (Theresa) Kowcheck, both of Wellsburg, W.Va.; two daughters, LeAnn Garrett of North Carolina and Danielle Kowcheck of Washington; four brothers, James (Julie) Kowcheck, Jack (Cookie) Kowcheck, Dave (Rose) Kowcheck and Paul (Diane) Kowcheck, all of Avella; three sisters, Bernita (Richard) Defibaugh and Mary (Jim) Chase, both of Avella, and Mercedes Vaira of Frederick, Md.; six grandchildren, Drake, Jocelyn, Jentzen, Tristan, Karleigh and Faith; and three great-grandchildren, Aalyah, Addisyn and Brantley.

Deceased are two sons, David Scott Garrett and Daniel Kowcheck; three brothers, Mick, Tom and Ed; and a sister, Loretta.

Friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m., the time of service, Tuesday, December 12, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Father Alvin Gutierrez officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to West Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, 19 East Main Street, Avella, PA 15312.

Additional information and a guest book are available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.