Obituary of Walter Kowalski

Walter "Papa Walt" Kowalski, 90, of Amsterdam passed away peacefully on Monday, July 18, 2016. Born August 15, 1925 in Glenville, New York, he was a son of the late Stefan and Ida Kowalski. Walter was a lifelong area resident. He worked for Conrail in Selkirk as an electrician for many years until his retirement. Walter was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, enjoyed thoroughbred racing, fishing and hunting, reading and learning about American and world history. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years Marilyn Folensbee Kowalski of Amsterdam; daughters Karen I. Kowalski (Bill Kordyjak) of Norfolk, VA and Sherri L. Kowalski of Amsterdam; son Walter D. Kowalski (Bonnie) of Ft. Hunter; brother Richard Kowalski of Merritt Island, FL; sister Ida Kotarski of Schenectady; grandchildren Anthony Vitalis, Michala Vitalis, Meghan Kowalski, Walter Kowalski, Jr., Chloe Kordyjak and Benjamin Kordyjak. Walter is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers John Kowalski and Stephen Kowalski and sisters Jane Crane, Stella Kowalski and Virginia Fennelly. Calling hours to which relatives and friends are invited to attend will take place on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 4-7 P.M. at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. A service to celebrate Walters's life will be held on Saturday, July 23 10 A.M. at the funeral home with Fr. Stanley J. Swierzowski officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Walter's memory to the Cranesville Volunteer Fire Department, 167 Riverview Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Cranesville Reformed Church, 105 Cranes Hollow Rd, Amsterdam, NY 12010 or to the Future Farmers of America (FFA), P.O. Box 68960, 6060 FFA Drive Indianapolis, IN 46268-0960 or online at www.ffa.org Arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, Amsterdam. Online condolences for the Kowalski family are available at www.brbsfuneral.com