James Kowalewski Sr. of Slate Hill, who retired as a carpenter after 50-plus years with local 279, entered into rest on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at home. He was 71.
The son of Edward and Sophie Plocharczyk Kowalewski, he was born on July 31, 1950, in West Virginia.
Jim didn’t need much to make him happy. He loved his family and his grandchildren. He was a hardworking man. He was a good man. He was always more concerned about others than himself. He enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, gardening and collecting and refurbishing antiques.
He is survived by his wife Stella Gilnick Kowalewski; daughter Danielle Dailey; son Joseph Dailey (Christina); daughter Keri Booth (Mickey); son James Kowalewski Jr. (Crista O’Brien); four grandchildren: Cameron and Riley Dailey; Levon and Jack Booth and a soon to be granddaughter; sisters Alice Krawcyk (Tom); Karen Morace (David); Kathy White and daughter Shawna; and Cynthia Kowalewski; sister-in-law Cindy Kowalewski; brother-in-law Paul Pierce; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his brother Edward Kowalewski and sister Sandra Pierce.
Visitation was held Sept. 21 at T.S. Purta Funeral Home, 22 Glenmere Ave., Florida.
A funeral mass was held Sept. 22 at St. Joseph Church in Florida.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the T.S. Purta Funeral Home. To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.