Daniel Kowalsky

Daniel is preceded in death by Joan, his wife of 57 years, earlier this year. He is survived by his son Martin and wife Kristy; grandchildren, Taylor and Ethan; and his sister, Jeannie Erhard.

Daniel was born September 28, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Stephan and Frances Kowalsky. He was a very smart young man without much money. He worked odd jobs and often got in trouble with his parents for adopting stray pets.

After graduating High School he enlisted in the Air Force. He was discharged after 3.5 years, to enroll in Niagara University where he received his B.S. degree. He was then accepted to Georgetown Medical School but did not finish due to health reasons. He did go on to receive a certification in cytology and got a job at Mercy hospital where he met his future wife, Joan in the laboratory. They were married in 1965.

They did not start a family right away and saved money so Dan could apply to pharmacy school. While in the Air Force, Dan worked in the pharmacy and learned what a great career it could be. Unfortunately I came along and spoiled those plans. I guess that’s why I became a pharmacist.

As time went by, Dan still felt a calling to do more. He eventually decided to go to nursing school and worked as a registered psychiatric nurse for the rest of his career.

Dad loved reading, watching movies, dancing, skiing, and swimming. He loved music but couldn’t carry a tune, that was my mom’s thing. He loved cars and planes. He loved animales. He loved philosophy and theology. He loved teaching what he knew. He loved good food. He loved family and friends. He loved God.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, December 5, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with interment to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park concluded by Military Honors. (For those unable to attend the Mass, the church is providing live streaming, select the JOIN LIVESTREAM option within the service box below).

Flowers will be accepted, but please consider direct memorials to the following charities, ASPAC and Wounded Warriors.

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