Obituaries

Andrew J. Gowarty, Sr., age 81, of the Austin Heights section of Old Forge, passed away Sunday evening at Regional Hospital of Scranton. On May 20, 2010 he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Josephine ‘Josie’ (Myers) Gowarty.
Born in Scranton on February 16, 1938, and son of the late Andrew and Mary (Zabielski) Gowarty, Andrew was a graduate of West Scranton High School. For 30 years prior to his retirement, he worked as a customer service agent for USAir (now American Airlines). Upon retirement, he then served as the maintenance director for United Neighborhood Services.
Always active within the community, Andrew was a former volunteer firefighter for the Eagle McClure Hose Co. of Old Forge. Along with being a huge sports fan, especially of the Green bay Packers and New York Yankees, he also coached at the Old Forge Little League. A supporter of all things Old Forge Blue Devils, he took great pride in watching his grandchildren on the athletic fields. Now reunited with Josie, he’d have it no other way. He will always be missed.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Annette (Gowarty) Tagliaterra and husband Paul of Old Forge; his grandchildren, Andrea and Jordan Alsalahat and Samantha and Nicholas Tagliaterra; his great grandchildren, Rylan Tagliaterra and Joshua Kuhns; his three sisters, Mary and Ann Gowarty and Theresa Palauskas, all of Scranton; and nieces and nephews.
His son, Andrew Gowarty, Jr.; his infant daughter, Andrea Gowarty; and his brother, Joseph Gowarty, also preceded him in death. A lifelong dog lover, he’s also survived by his beloved pup “Buddy” and was preceded in death by pup “Mikey.”
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Friday at 9:15AM from the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, 620 S. Main Street in Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. August A. Ricciardi, Pastor. Burial will follow at SS Peter and Paul Parish Cemetery, West Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-7:00pm at the funeral home.