Zenon Henry Kowalski

Zenon Kowalski, 91 passed from this life peacefully on November 10, 2024 surrounded by his family.  Zenon was born in Drohiczyn, Poland on April 21, 1933 to Stefan and Leokadia Kowalski. He was a loving son, sibling, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather - serving as a source of strength and virtue to family and friends.  His life was a testament to faith, hope and perseverance. 

As a child, he survived the Russian Invasion of Poland and deportation to a Siberia Work Camp.  Upon release in 1942, the family traveled though Kazakhaston, Tehran, Pakistan, and India settling in a refugee camp in Masindi, Uganda 1944. The family reunited in Newquay, England before reaching their destination – Perth Amboy, NJ in 1952.

After emigrating to America, Zenon served honorably during the Korean War in the United States Army before becoming an Electrician at PSE&G. He was an active parishioner and usher at St. Stephan's Church and later St. Maximilian Kolbe Church. Devoted to preserving his heritage, he served as the President of the United Poles in America and was an active member of the Pulaski Cadets.

Zenon is predeceased by his parents Stefan Kowalski and Leokadia Kaminski Kowalski; his brothers Edmund, Casmir, Henry, Wojciech, Stanley; and his sisters Mary Skal and Barbara Radecki.

Zenon is survived by his wife, Alina Goraj Kowalski; his daughters: Sophia Kowalski and Barbara Kowalski Turnage and her husband, Jeffrey Turnage; his grandchildren Rachael Hope Pyram, Jonathan Zenon Pyram, Nicolas Joseph Turnage and Emily Katherine Turnage. In addition, he is survived by his sister Irene Kowalski Rypinski and family and his brother in-law Joseph Goraj and family.

The family will receive friends and relatives for the viewing on Monday, November 18, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00am at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River.

A Catholic Funeral Mass immediately follows at 12:00 pm at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Berkeley Township. A repast will be announce after the Mass. A Private Burial will be held on Tuesday November 19, 2024.

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