Dr John A. Kirkowski

Born in Jersey City on March 22, 1943 to the late Constantine and Theresa Kirkowski, John grew up in Passaic and Paterson, graduating from St. Peter’s Prep ‘61, Georgetown ‘65 and in 1969 received his DMD degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He then commissioned in the US Army Dental Corps and served four years in Butzbach, Germany from 1969 -1973, leaving service at the rank of Major. It was while in Germany that John and Edwina caught a very serious travel bug, traveling to almost all the Western European countries as well as Poland, the Ukraine, Russia, Greece, Israel and Africa. Later travels included many cruises and trips, namely to Alaska, the Caribbean, the far east, the Mediterranean, Panama Canal, South America and Antarctica, all faithfully and fully documented by his trusty Nikon.

After serving in the Dental Corps, John opened his dental practice in 1974 in Sparta, NJ., and faithfully served his patients until recently. Additional professional accolades include earning his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, 1984.

‘Doctor John’ to his fellow Kiwanians, he was a happy member of the Sparta Kiwanis Club for over 40 years, serving as a delegate for many Kiwanis International Conventions. He was Lt. Governor several times, Sparta President three times and Sparta Club Secretary often. He served as NJ Kiwanis Governor 2003-4. In Kiwanis, John achieved Life Member Status and received the Tablet of Honor, Walter Zeller Fellowship and George F. Hixson Fellowship.

In addition to serving the community, John enjoyed entertaining family and friends for many years on Lake Mohawk at the “house with the white picket fence on the lake”. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching the Yankees and Giants and discussing sports and news with family and friends.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 54 years Edwina (Eddy), his devoted son John Stephen, “daughter” Ann and loving grandson Stephen. Also surviving are his brother Michael Kirkowski (Brenda), nephew Scott (Tiffani), and niece Tracy Kirkowski. He also leaves behind many members of the Kirkowski, Bogdanowicz and Jablonski families, and a multitude of friends and loved ones.

A visitation for Dr. John will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St, Sparta, New Jersey 07871. A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Blessed Kateri Church, 427 Stanhope Rd, Sparta, NJ. An interment will occur Saturday, July 30, 2022 at Northern NJ Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sparta, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the NJ District of Kiwanis International, 26 Bryant Drive, Livingston, NJ 07039 or The Sparta Community Food Pantry, 99 Demarest Road, Sparta, NJ 07871.