Robert E. Cowoski
Robert E. Cowoski, longtime resident of Butler died peacefully at home surrounded by his family Saturday at the age of 79, just shy of his 80th birthday.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol Joan Cowoski; his children, Chris Cowoski and his wife, Jill, and their children, Shane, Hayley, Dylan and Heston, Robyn Kerschbaumer and her husband, David, and their children, Taylor and Tanner, Jeffrey Cowoski and his wife, Jennifer, and their children, Noah and Kayla, (daughter of Jeffrey Cowoski and Sonja Downing), Todd Cowoski and his wife, Holly, and their children, Elijah and Gage, and Allyson Hillwig and her husband, Johnny.
Bob was blessed to have been one of 15 children. His surviving siblings include Rose, Connie, Sandy, Debbie, Janie and Cheryl; and his brothers Joe and Tom; one sister-in-law, Judith Moreau; and brother-in-law, Joe (Skip) Kovach and his wife, Katie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Myrtle; his brothers, Al, Jim and Ron; his sisters, Patti, Helen and Barbara; and his brother-in-law, John Moreau.
Bob was born April 14, 1938, in Fulton Run, Pa., to Alexander and Myrtle Cowoski.
He graduated from Indiana High School and New Castle School of Trade.
Beginning their family in 1963, Bob and Joan welcomed five children and 10 grandchildren who were the most important part of their lives. They were always at their grandchildren's various sporting activities.
Bob was employed by Pullman Standard until the permanent closing of the plant. He joined the staff at Mike Kelly Chevrolet and retired from his sales position after 23 years of service.
Not only was Bob a devoted father and “pop-pop” to his family, he was a legend in the various sporting arenas in Butler. Because of his love for sports, he obtained his referee patch and could often be seen on the basketball courts throughout Butler and surrounding counties officiating grade school to high school.
Because Bob was known for his high energy and love of sports, he also was an umpire for softball. In fact, two days before the onset of his illness, he was umpiring a softball tournament in Meadville.
Before obtaining his officiating certificates, he spent many years coaching his sons and daughter in football, basketball and baseball. He introduced his family to the Allegheny River in 1969, where during the summer months, he would enjoy downtime with his family at “the River” in East Brady, boating, canoeing and skiing. Many of you who knew Bob spent many days and nights at the river enjoying the company of the Cowoskis.
After his retirement, he reconnected with his hometown friends and spent some of his time on fishing trips and golfing. He cherished his road trips with his lifelong Butler friends. He was also a problem-solver who often took on difficult and unwanted projects at work, home and in anytime of adversity.
He was a familiar name in the community and served as the former director of Butler County Sports Hall of Fame, was a member of the Highfield Golf League, and before his illness, he joined his Butler friends every morning as a Silver Sneaker member at the YMCA. Additionally, he had various affiliations with his officiating chapter groups.
He touched many lives with his charismatic personality and was probably the most unique, crazy, funny, warm and loving man to those that knew him with his God loving wisdom.
Robert E. Cowoski, you will be deeply missed by your many friends, your vast family and all those who were blessed to have known you.
COWOSKI — Per his request, there will be no visitation for Robert E. Cowoski, who died Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018.Bob's family will greet those who wish to pay respects from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Fidelis Roman Catholic Church, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. with the Rev. William Wuenschel to officiate.Arrangements were entrusted to Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler.A trust fund for Dylan Cowoski, Bob's grandson, who was diagnosed with Autism at an early age, is being established. It was Bob's wishes for memorial donations, in lieu of flowers and if desired, be made to Dylan Cowoski PO Box 432, Lyndora, PA 16045, or donations can be sent using the Zelle mobile banking app using email-ccowo@zoominternet.net. or mobile 724.679.0944For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.geibelfuneralhome.com.
