William Kowalski

William Kowalski, age 99 of Youngstown, died August 7, 2017 after a brief illness. William was born November 7, 1917 in Niagara Falls, NY, the son of the late John and Lottie (Wozniak) Kowalski and attended local schools. He was employed at Kimberly Clark and played in the Industrial MUNY baseball league as an outstanding first baseman. William was inducted into the Niagara Falls Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. As a US Navy Veteran, he was among the first group of Seabees serving in the Asian -Pacific during WWII. After his honorable discharge, he returned to work as a pipefitter and retired from Harrison Radiator. He enjoyed his lunches as a member of the Lewiston Senior Center. In 1941, William married Mary (Komorowski) and moved the family to Youngstown where they operated a fruit farm for over 50 years. In addition to his wife, William was predeceased by a brother and four sisters. He is survived by his children, Judy ( late Louis) Battaglia of Amherst, Marsha (William) Scully of Youngstown, Wilma (John) Napolitano of Scituate, Rhode Island, and William (Mary) Kowalski Jr. of Youngstown; two sisters, Barbara Hird of Glendale, CA and Mary Ann (Richard) Santangelo of Niagara Falls,NY; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, 3648 Ransomville Road, Ransomville on Sunday from 3-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 14, at 10:00 AM in St. Bernard RC Church, Hinman and Second streets, Youngstown, with the Rev. Msgr. David G. Li Puma officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Holy Trinity RC Cemetery, Lewiston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co. Ambulance Drive, PO Box 387, Youngstown, NY 14174.