Richard Arthur Kowalker

Richard Arthur Kowalker, 76, of Meriden, CT, passed away on May 2, 2025, with loved ones by his side at Midstate Medical Center after an ongoing illness. He was born in Hartford, CT, on September 21, 1948, the son of the late Axel Larsson and Margaret Ann Farrell. Rick grew up in Newington, CT with his adoptive family. Aside from occasionally running away from home with his dog, he had a typical 1950's suburban upbringing. He attended Newington High School until his 17th birthday when he joined the United States Marine Corps with parental consent. Kowalker served with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines as a machine gunner in Vietnam War and later became a Drill Instructor. He was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and titles of Rifle and Pistol Expert. Some of his proudest and often wildest experiences were shared with his fellow Marines. After the military he fathered 4 children and spent most of his years in NH, CT, and at times hitchhiking across the US with his dog. He worked several odd jobs, mostly with Long Lane School in Middletown, CT and Fall Mountain School in Langdon, NH. Later in life Kowalker returned to his USMC dress blues and attended 723 military funerals with his horse Melody to honor fallen veterans and active duty service members. He was a member of the Marine Corps League Hardware City Detachment. Rick valued time with friends and family and had a great interest in animals, nature, U.S. history, military history, and geography. He also enjoyed travelling, motorcycling, the music of John Denver, the movie Forrest Gump and a good steak dinner. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Erik Kowalker and wife Amanda of Gresham, OR; Jason Kowalker and wife Alicja of New Britain, CT; and Larsson Baker and wife Lisa of Langdon, NH; his grandchildren: Caitlyn Gathercole and husband Adam, Chloe Kowalker-Eldridge, Carson, Ben, Dalaina, Antonio, and Sophia Kowalker; his great-grandchild: Adalyn Gathercole; his brother: Harold Larsson; as well as nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his daughter, Heidi Kowalker; his brother, Carl Larsson; his adoptive parents, Arthur and Helen Kowalker; and his adoptive sister, Susan Robinson. He was also predeceased by his horse, Melody, a dozen dogs, half of which were named Smokey. The whereabouts of his brother Robert Larsson are unknown. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors to be held at 12 noon on June 6th in State Veterans Cemetery 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT 06457. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Connecticut Draft Horse Rescue in honor of Melody and Rick at www.ctdraftrescue.org/donate. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Richard, please visit our Tree Store.