Edward H. Kowalewski

Edward H. “Bop Bop” Kowalewski, 88, passed away at Crouse Hospital on May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Ed graduated from Blodgett Vocational High School, where he played football. He retired from IBM after 26 years of service as an account support rep. Ed served in the Air National Guard and was deployed to Phalsbourg, France with the 174th fighter wing during the berlin wall crisis where he was assigned to crash rescue. As a communicant of Epiphany Parish (formerly Immaculate Heart of Mary), he was a eucharistic minister, and usher for several years until he became ill. He was incredibly involved in handyman projects around the rectory, social hall, and church. He also volunteered painting at Hospice of Central New York. In earlier years, he was president of the Hamilton Street Boys Club where he engaged in fund raising. Winters were spent in Celebration, Florida; he enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, and SU football and basketball. Ed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Josephine (Iannone) Kowalewski; daughters Kimberly Martin (Randy) of Potsdam; Kristen Procopio (Christopher) of North Syracuse, granddaughters Alyssa Bush (Stephen); Lindsey Hoey (Ryan), and Stella Procopio; step-granddaughters Kylee and Lily Bush, brother-in-law, James Iannone (Gail) of Williamsville; sister-in-law, Frances Westerman (Christopher) of Estero, Florida; many cousins, several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews and close friends. Ed is predeceased by his parents, Anna, and Walter Kowalewski; sisters, Irene Kowalewski, Helen Modzelewski, Stella Kushin, Jennie Tyminski; brother, Michael Kowalewski; nephew, Kevin Kushin; niece, Cheryl Tyminski; great-niece, Krissy Abruzzese; and great-nephews, John Kushin, and Christopher Kushin. A special thank you to great-nephew, Michael Abruzzese, nieces, Kathy Abruzzese, and Janet Cormier, for their untiring devotion and help during Ed’s illness. Also, to Deacon Steve Manzene for his frequent prayer visits, to the Legion of Mary for their continuous prayers, to his caregivers Cecelia, and Kelly, who made his stay at home possible, and to Danielle for coming to the house to keep his hair perfectly coiffed. A funeral Mass in celebration of Ed’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. in St. Rose of Lima Church, 409 S. Main St. North Syracuse. Ed will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will take place on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME 3401 Vickery Rd. (Corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse, NY 13212. If you wish, donations can be made to Mary and Joseph’s pantry, Epiphany Parish, 1001 Tulip Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or to Joseph’s House, 802 Court Street Syracuse, NY 13208.

Edward H. Kowalewski

August 27, 1936 - May 31, 2025