Joseph J Kowalczyk

Joseph J. Kowalczyk, 67, of Brackenridge, passed away unexpectedly following heart surgery on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, at UPMC Shadyside, Pittsburgh. He was born Sept. 27, 1948, in Harrison Township, son of the late Joseph J. and Irene M. (Maliszewski) Kowalczyk. He has lived in Brackenridge and the Natrona area all of his life. Joseph was a fork lift operator for Key Bellevilles Inc. in Allegheny Township for 40 years. He was a Vietnam veteran of the Army and a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Natrona Heights. Joseph was a member of the Polish National Alliance in Natrona and the Natrona American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, the outdoors, playing the lottery, the Pittsburgh Penguins and was an outdoor reality program fan. Joseph was a wonderful brother and a great friend who will be missed by all. Survivors include his sisters, Helen M. (William) Spencer, Chambersburg, Frances Maliszewski, Temple City, Calif., and Gloria Kowalczyk, Brackenridge. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Visitation 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., 347 E. 10th Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526. A Christian funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Natrona Heights. Interment in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights, with full military honors by Tarentum VFW. The family suggests memorial contributions to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 533 Linden Ave., New Kensington, PA 15068. Visit: dusterfuneralhomeinc.com.Published in The Valley News Dispatch on Oct. 25, 2015