Edmund J. Kowsky

Snyder’s Lake-Edmund J. Kowsky, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 22, 2022, two days after his 96th birthday, at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY.  He was born at Snyder’s Lake on June 20, 1926, to Jacob Kowsky and Helen Pagakowska, and he lived there his entire life.   

He was named after Bishop Edmund Gibbons, the sixth bishop of Albany NY.    He was the youngest of his siblings, and they have all predeceased him: Charles Kowsky, James Kowsky, Agnes Marro, Kathleen Hogan and Eileen Hilton.   He graduated from the Averill Park School system, LaSalle Institute, and Hudson Valley Community College.     He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on December 6, 1945, and reported to Langley Field, Virginia for basic training, and went to Shepherds Field, Texas, and to Kessler Air Base, Mississippi.  

He was sent to New Jersey and traveled by ship to France, where he was stationed in Estes, France.  He was with the 42nd Air Repair Squadron.   He traveled to Paris, and experienced Hitler’s destruction, and also traveled through Germany and Switzerland in the 40 & 8 box cars.   He received the Army of Occupation World War II Victory Medal, and a letter of commendation from Harry Truman. On May 22, 1948, he married the love of his life, Agnes Fraley who predeceased him on September 24, 2009.    

He cherished his life with her, raising their three children at Snyder’s Lake. He was employed by the New York State Office of General Services – first at the Alfred E Smith Office Building, then the Harriman State Campus, and finally at the Empire State Plaza.  He enjoyed his job as an electrical engineer/draftsman. 

He is survived by his son, Edmund J. Kowsky, Jr., of Snyder’s Lake; his daughter, Carolyn J. O’Donnell, of East Greenbush.   His daughter Mary Beth Hester predeceased him on September 24, 2006.   He helped with the care of Mary Beth when she was ill, and was devoted to the care of his beloved wife Agnes while she was sick.     He is also survived by his grandchildren:  Adam (Carrie) Hester of Wynantskill, Zachary (Jaimee) Hester of Wynantskill, and his great grandchildren:  Brandon Collins (Trish) of Averill Park, Edward Marcus, Patrick Hester, and Lola Hester, all of Wynantskill.   He is great-great grandfather to Samson and Lane Collins.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Edmund was a meticulous, talented man who taught himself piano from the age of eight.  

He played piano throughout his entire life, much to the pleasure of his wife.   He played all kinds of music, from classical to boogie-woogie.   He was a talented craftsman, and rebuilt player pianos, built model airplanes and flew them, and also created a full-size one seat airplane.   Likewise, he constructed a telescope, enjoyed astronomy, art, computers bird-watching, gardening, and at one time, bee-keeping.

Family and friends are invited from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with funeral service at 11:00 am on Monday June 27, 2022 all at the Wynantskill Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. The family would like to thank the Eddy Heritage House for the care he received there, Samaritan Hospital, and Albany Medical Center Medical ICU unit. Please donate to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice in his memory. Please visit www.wynantskillfh.com

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