Obituary of Chester “Chet” W Kurowski

Chester ("Chet") W. Kurowski, age 80, of Alexandria Township, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2019. He was born July 7, 1938 in Bayonne New Jersey to his dear parents Lucille (Rakowski) and Casimir Kurowski. He was the oldest of seven children.

From an early age Chet excelled in a sport he loved, baseball. Chet also loved his country and honorably served in the United States Army in the 716th Military Police (MP) Battalion. While an MP, he was very proud to have played a role in civil rights history and escort the first African American student to the University of Mississippi. He received his honorable discharge from the Army in 1967. Chet went on to be employed at AT&T and retired after 24 years of employment as an electrical tradesman, working on projects such as submarine system development. Chet had a love for music and played percussion in numerous bands, including the Joe DeMarco Band, Richie Marks Trio and John Noble Big Band. Chet was also a lifelong pianist, with his daily serenades to his beloved wife with his baby grand piano. He also enjoyed reading nonfiction books, studying languages, and education in general. He was an active parishioner of St Catherine of Siena Church in Pittstown NJ. He loved his family with all his heart.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Joanne (nee Coleman), daughter Nancy Smith of Westfield, son-in-law Michael and grandchildren Brendan and Mackenzie; daughter Dr. Eileen Kurowski of Metuchen, son-in-law Andrew and grandson Colin; sister Lorraine Grenger and husband Bruce Grenger; sister Phyllis Dandrow; brother John Kurowski and partner Maria Cardona; brother Edward Kurowski and wife Christie Kurowski; sister-in-laws Barbara Kurowski and Mary Lou Kurowski; sister-in-law and "girlfriend" Jeanine Mullins, sister-in-law Katie Torpy; brother-in law John Coleman and wife Nancy Coleman, and brother-in-law Edward Coleman and wife Marci Coleman. Chet is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and his four legged friend, his dog Romeo. His family will always miss his sense of humor, big smile, and love of a good meal.

He was predeceased by his parents Casimir and Lucille Kurowski, son Chester Jr. Kurowski, sister Patricia Gentile and brother in law Michael Gentile, brother Casimir Kurowski, brother in law Michael Mullins and nephew Michael Mullins Jr.

Visiting hours will take place on Monday, April 29, 2019 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Martin Funeral Home 1761 Route 31 Clinton NJ 08809.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday April 30, 2019 at 10:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 2 White Bridge Road Pittstown NJ 08867. Burial will follow with military honors at St. Gabriel's Cemetery, 549 Newman Spring Road (County Road 520) Marlboro Twsp NJ 07746 at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Catherine of Siena Building Fund.

"The song is ended but the melody lingers" (Irving Berlin).