Edward William Bukowski

He was born on June 2, 1930, in New Waverly, Texas, to Casmier Thomas Bukowski and Annie Koenig Bukowski. Edward graduated from New Waverly High School. During the summers and school breaks he rode on the bus to Houston to work with his father at a bakery in the Heights, solidifying his desire to make Houston his home one day.

Edward joined the Marine Reserves after high school, and his unit was sent to fight in the Korean War. After he returned from the war, he met his wife Anastasia “Nancy” Goodney at a dance at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Waverly, the church that both their families attended, and where Edward had served as an altar boy during his youth. Edward and Anastasia were married at St. Joseph’s on July 17, 1955. The couple moved to Houston and shared over 70 wonderful years together.

Edward worked as a machinist at TRW Mission Manufacturing in Houston. He spent over 40 years there, where he was known as a dedicated, loyal, and hardworking employee. He then worked two years for Northrup Grumman in Conroe. When it came time to retire, Edward was promoted to full-time “Pa.” He devoted his retirement years to loving and caring for his grandchildren. He and Anastasia picked up their grandchildren after school every day and attended field day events, rodeo dances, school plays, drill team performances, and band recitals.

Edward was strong in his Catholic faith and was a long-time member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where he was a regular attendee at the 7:30 a.m. mass on Sundays.

Edward was an avid fisherman. He and Anastasia fished for many years at Lake Conroe and then discovered saltwater fishing in Port Bolivar, where they bought a beach house so they could wade fish and crab on the weekends. There was nothing that Edward couldn’t fix, whether it was a home repair or one of his grandchildren’s cars. And when he could no longer fix things himself, he would advise his children and grandchildren exactly what they should do. After traveling the world during his military service, Edward preferred to keep his feet firmly planted on the ground in Texas. He loved family road trip vacations, especially those to Fredericksburg and Big Bend. He taught all his grandchildren archery, how to shoot, and how to play penny poker. His family meant everything to him. He was the favorite lap of every baby and dog in the family. He kept a keen eye on the stock market, loved history, and was an avid coin collector. He and Anastasia spent years shopping garage sales looking for some special find worthy of Antiques Road Show. He never met a dessert that he didn’t love. His favorite place in the world was his reclining chair in his and Anastasia’s living room, where he spent many hours napping, watching the news, and listening to Astros games on the radio.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Casmier and Annie Bukowski; his sister, Marie Little; and his brother, Charles Bukowski.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 70 years, Anastasia Bukowski; his sister-in-law, Margaret Bukowski; his children: son Joseph Thomas Bukowski and wife Debbie Sharp; daughter Catherine Smith; and daughter Janet Collier. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Amanda Liberto and husband Kenneth; Matthew Bukowski and wife Stephanie Sommerlatte; Melissa Forrest and husband Mitchell; Jennifer Martinez and husband Jeffrey; Daniel Collier and wife Lynne; and Shannon Smith and husband Weston Kowert. He also is survived by numerous great-grandchildren, Aiden Liberto, Kenley Liberto, Peyton Forrest, Joshua Forrest, Abraham Collier, Olin Collier, Elora “Eli” Collier, Leah Bukowski, Walker Smith Kowert, and Sloane Smith Kowert. He also leaves many other family members, relatives, friends, and neighbors.

A visitation will be held at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home, located at 1200 W. 34th Street, Houston, Texas 77018, in the Chapel in the Garden on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, located at 3600 Brinkman, Houston, Texas, 77018. The service is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow at St Rose of Lima in the parish hall. A light lunch will be served. A private graveside service for the immediate family will take place at Shepherd Hill Cemetery in Willis, Texas later in the afternoon.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kenneth Liberto, Aiden Liberto, Mitchell Forrest, Daniel Collier, Matthew Bukowski, and Weston Kowert.

Edward was the true family patriarch and will be deeply missed. We thank you for your prayers and support.