Russ Kowalski,
58, of Dryden, passed away on Friday, March 12, at Cayuga Medical Center. Born November 29, 1951 in Pittsburgh PA, he later moved to Los Angeles CA as a child, where he met his wife of 32 years, Barbara Kowalski , nee Kiralla.
A long-time volunteer, Russ was an active member of Holy Cross Church, vice-president of the Dryden Central School Board, and president of the Dryden Lions Athletic Club. Russ coached his three daughters and dozens of other kids in soccer, softball, and basketball. Russ’s family would like to extend a sincere thanks to Dr. Robert Hesson, his team, and the doctors and nurses at Cayuga Medical Center for the compassion and loving care given to our beloved husband, father, and Papa.
Russ is survived by his wife Barbara, his three daughters Rhonda (Skip) Oltz, Noel (Tucker) Lind and Stephanie (Tony Zoccano) Kowalski; his granddaughters Dana and Makayla Oltz; stepmother Ardis Kowalski, and siblings Walter, Cheryl, Brad, Tracy, Melissa, Jennifer, Justin and Jaime. He is predeceased by his parents Walter Kowalski and Betty Feipel.
A memorial mass of will be offered at 11 AM, Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Holy Cross church, 375 George Road, Freeville, NY with Rev. Scott Kubinski officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. Friends are invited to call from 7 to 9 PM Wednesday at the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York, 3901 Genesee Street, Suite 110,Buffalo, New York 14225 or Dryden High School Athletics, P.O. Box 88, Dryden, NY 13053. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com
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