Passed away on his 85th Birthday with his five children at his side. Of Gloucester City. Born on January 17, 1928. Joe was predeceased by his wife, the late Pat (nee McCann). Loving father of Jane (Michael) Dooling, Eric (Rusty) Kowalski, John (Lynn) Kowalski, Betsy (John) Logan and Joann (Bill) Leeds. Beloved grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his 6 siblings, John, Anne (Edward) Tucker, Steve (Pearl), Andy (Lee), Helen (Edward) Conroy and Henry (Joyce). Brother -in-law to Ray McCann and Colleen (Joseph) Tanzi. Also uncle of many loving nieces and nephews. Joe graduated from Gloucester City High School. He was awarded a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Joe proudly served our country in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After returning from Germany, he played semi-pro football for the Gloucester Mustangs. An electrician by trade, who retired from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, he was also a member of Co. #4 Gloucester Heights Volunteer Fire Department. Joe loved spending his twilight summers in Ocean City, NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday evening, January 21st, from 6 to 8 PM and again on Tuesday morning, January 22nd, from 8 to 9 AM at the McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 9:45 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church: 426 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City. Interment with military honors will follow in New Saint Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to St. Jude Tribute Program: P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 39101-9908. Please write in the memo: Joseph Kowalski. Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of Joseph Kowalski. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires may be made through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME: 851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ PH: 856-456-1142.