Obituaries

Harry Kowanick, age 87, of the Keyser Valley section of West Scranton passed away Wednesday evening at Hospice of the Sacred Heart Inpatient Unit, Dunmore, after an illness. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Estelle York Kowanick. Wed on December 23, 1950, the couple shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Scranton on March 7, 1929, son of the late Daniel and Tekla (Tessie) Vickaruk Kowanick, Harry graduated from West Scranton High School, Class of 1947, before attending the University of Scranton. A proud Navy Veteran of the Korean War, he earned the China Service, Korean Service and United Nations Service Medals before being honorably discharged in 1952. Harry worked for the Hudson Coal Company before owning and operating Big Six Automotive Company. Prior to his retirement in 1999, he owned Keyser Valley Auto Parts in Scranton.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Ann’s Basilica Parish in West Scranton. An avid baseball fan, he loved both the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also enjoyed golfing.
A selfless man with a strong work ethic and loving heart, he served as caretaker for both of his parents, sister, aunt and neighbors through their own illnesses. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother who will be forever missed by his loved ones.
He is also survived by his six children, Harry Kowanick, Jr., and wife Nancy of Pennsville, N.J., Michael Kowanick and wife Karen of Scranton, Charmaine Kujawski and husband Ted of Scranton, Christine Ayers and husband Ken of Clarks Summit, Cynthia Panusky and husband Dennis of Scranton and Mary Montoro and husband Mark of Minooka; 18 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Brothers, Walter, Peter and John Kowanick and sisters, Stephanie Badner, Helen Barrett, Ann Lukasavage, Kathryn Lavelle and Mary Nardelli also preceded him in death.
His family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staffs of Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Comprehensive Health Care and Home Instead Senior Care, for their collective care and compassion while taking care of Harry.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday to begin with 9:00AM military services by the AMVETS Honor Guard at the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. A 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Basilica, 1250 St. Ann St., Scranton. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Friday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harry’s name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive #7, Wilkes Barre, Pa., 18702.