Walter J. Kowalek

Walter J. Kowalek, 80, resident of Newtown Square, PA for 38 years, and Ocean City, NJ, for 27 years, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2023. 

Skip, as he was known by most, was born in Chester, PA, and was the son, and only child, of the late Walter and Dolores (née Egbert) Kowalek, whom were his guiding light their entire lives. 

Skip was the beloved and devoted husband of Josephine (née Mastronardo) Kowalek for the last 48 years. Neighbors growing up, Josie and Skip knew each other most of their lives and were already like family before they were even married. Skip was Josie’s one and only love. 

Skip was a true family man, who put the well being of his wife and children before his own. He was the loving father of Lisa Samluk (Joe) and Alexis Kulick (Chris) and proud Pop Pop to Owen (10), Christopher (9), Victoria (7), Brett (6), Emma (5), and Simona (3) - Each of whom had their own special term of endearment.  Nothing made Skip happier than spending time with his family and making memories. 

Skip grew up in Aston, but his fondest memories were spending his summers as a child in Cape May, NJ with his Aunt, which is where his love of being down the shore began. At the age of 18, Skip graduated from Eddystone High School, and was drafted to the US Army 101st Airborne Division, where he served 3 years in Germany as a Paratrooper, completing 35 airborne jumps. It was there that his love for German cars originated. Upon arriving home, Skip returned to his employment at Scott Paper (Kimberly-Clark), where he was loyally employed for 49 years, and formed life-long friendships that continued long after retirement. He cherished his time spent with old colleagues during coffee club and lunches. 

He especially adored his time spent at his home in Ocean City, NJ. During the day, he could be seen sitting in his favorite spot on the porch looking out at the ocean, cuddling with his grandkids, riding his bike on the boardwalk, and watching his grandchildren play by the ocean. In the evenings he enjoyed having conversations with his daughters and son-in-laws. 

For several decades, Skip enjoyed spending time with his friends and father hunting and fishing at their cabin in the Poconos. He always took great pride in his homes, working hard to maintain them. He was also an astute Real Estate investor throughout his lifetime owning and renting land and properties in the Poconos, PA; North Wildwood, NJ; Cherry Hill, NJ; Brookhaven, PA; Alexandria, VA; and Ocean City. 

Skip was loved by all for his warm demeanor and consideration of others. You would often find him doing favors for friends, taking the time to talk to a neighbor, and bringing joy to others. Even in his final moments, Skip’s kindness and gratitude were felt by those who were with him. Skip’s memory will live on forever in the hearts of everyone who knew him. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing, Sunday evening, October 22, 2023, 4:00 – 6:00 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, 610-353-6300.  Funeral Mass to take place Monday morning, October 23, 2023, 10:30 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA  19073, followed by interment at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Walter’s memory would be appreciated to The Penn Memory Center, https://pennmemorycenter.org/gifts/donate/.