This thank you note has been mentally written a hundred times and still will not convey the deepest gratitude to the healthcare teams, family friends and community members who touched the life of Robert “Bob” Cowoski. Bob was called off the bench on February 10th, 2018 to join the ultimate team.

Bob had a strong passion for sports, and with that passion, came a strong competitive nature. Bob faced his greatest opponent when he was diagnosed with a rare form of Lymphoma in late 2016. Although, the prognosis was not favorable, Bob never backed down from his opponent. Even when the odds were stacked HIGH against him, he constantly came back with the one - two punch.

Through this journey, he encountered the most amazing healthcare teams at Butler Memorial Hospital, Butler Medical Providers, UPMC/BHS Cancer Center, Concordia Short Term Care, Concordia Palliative Care, and Good Samaritan Hospice where he received exceptional, compassionate care during every admission, office or home visit. Even during the most traumatic moments, those kind smiles made a difference and left warm memories.

To his doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, housekeepers, dietary personnel and support staff, your personal care affected Bob in a way that ALWAYS made him feel that he was a part of your family. Our family is grateful for the compassionate care, professionalism, and expertise that was demonstrated. He was often heard telling staff “As Tony the Tiger says, YOU ARE GREAT”!

To his and our family friends, his church and sports community, our family sends our most sincere, heartfelt and personal Thank You for the wonderful food, generous donations to Dylan’s fund (Bob’s grandson) and for the overwhelming number of cards and messages of sympathy.

To the hundreds of people who attended Bob’s service, your presence and support meant so much to our family.

Finally, as we celebrate what would have been Bob’s 80th birthday today (April 14, 1938), our family sends this simple message “You truly made a difference in his and our lives”!

Thank You Ever So Much,

The Family of Robert “Bob” Cowoski