Richard Bernard Gowetski

Richard Gowetski passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his family. Known as Dick to his friends and Bud to his family, Richard was born on September 5, 1936, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. He is predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Alice Gowetski, and by his siblings, Raymond (Mary), Ralph (Dolores), Marcella (Arthur) and Larry. Richard is survived by his wife, Marilyn, his children, Jennifer (Robert) and Daniel (Kelly), and his six grandchildren, Isabel, Matthew, Alexander, Noah, Logan and Sawyer. He also is survived by his sister-in-law, Andrea Gowetski, as well as many nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Richard served in the U.S. Army for two years. He then began a long and accomplished career with IBM, where he worked for 34 years. His professional life took him from New York City to Sydney, Australia, and ultimately to Washington, DC, where he spent the majority of his career with IBM’s Federal Systems division.

Richard was deeply committed to serving others. He was an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, whose mission is to feed, clothe, and house those in need. He first served through St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and later helped establish the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, where he eventually served as President. Above all else, Richard treasured time with his family. He especially loved being with his grandchildren and often could be found cheering them on at their sporting events throughout the DC area.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20882 (to the care of Mary Louise Mahoney), or to the Alzheimer’s Association, Ralph’s Gang, 2835 E. Carson Street, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203.

Services are scheduled for April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church.