Alexander J. Kowalczik

“A grandpa is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart.” Alexander Joseph Kowalczik was called peacefully home on April 5th, 2026. He was surrounded by those who love him most. “Al”, as he was affectionately called, joined our Lord to be reunited with the love of his life, Mary. His family is deeply saddened at his passing, as even 95 years on this earth is not nearly long enough to be graced by his loving presence. Al was a man of excellence. His life as a husband, father, and grandfather will forever be remembered through the legacy he left behind.

Al, born on September 11th, 1930, in Candor, NY, was proud of his Polish heritage and grew up in a hardworking, loving farm family. He is predeceased by his parents (Mary and Teofil Kowalczik) and three sisters (Helen, Charlotte and Katherine). Al spent most of his life in the Binghamton area where he and Mary joined hands in holy matrimony on February 7th, 1953. They proudly raised a beautiful son and daughter. Al was the most devoted husband to his wife, hardworking, and a pillar of honesty and integrity.

Al enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 where he served his country in France and Germany as an officer in the Military Police until 1952. This time in the military was among the most honorable and fondly remembered times in his life. Al’s experiences ranged from learning how to drive a Jeep to being selected for President Eisenhower’s honor guard. The military gave him a foundation for a life without regrets after serving his country proudly. Al would continue this deep-rooted tradition of patriotism for the rest of his life, as he was never seen without his United States Army cap. The years Al spent in the military were more than an experience. They became the fiber of his being and made him a fiercely devoted soldier for the rest of his life.

Al had many hobbies and diverse interests. Fishing, the ability to fix anything, and especially hunting for antiques were among his favorites. Al spent his weekends with his devoted son and best friend, Michael, at Jimay’s Flea Market. They both shared a love for treasures of any kind, and Al was a collector of almost everything. He loved being active and visiting his favorite restaurants. A good cup of coffee, a proper hug, a good joke, or any moment of nostalgia was readily shared with loved ones.

After retiring from IBM in 1990, Al spent the next half of his life as a devoted and loving grandfather. He gave all his time, energy, patience, and wisdom to his three granddaughters – Danielle (Paul Rogers), Katie (Andrew Roma) and Elizabeth (Jeffrey Kneer). Al also had the utmost delight and honor of becoming a great grandfather to Alex, Matthew, Ellie, Mary, and Jeffrey.

Al is survived by his daughter Michele (Alexander Woloszyn) and son Michael (Kathryn) Kowalczik. He is predeceased by his loving wife. Al’s broken heart is finally healed as he is finally reunited with her in Christ our Savior. His family finds comfort that when called to Christ he answered with the words of Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

 A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30am on April 16, 2026 at St. James Church in Johnson City.   The family will receive friends from 9:30am until 10:30am.   Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors.    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Pantry of St. James Church in Johnson City, NY, in Alexander Joseph Kowalczik’s name.

There are not enough words to adequately express the profound sorrow of losing such an extraordinary person. 

For the man who was everything to everyone, “Wy jesteście tam, a my jesteśmy tu.”

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