Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
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Surrounded by his loving family, Anthony "Tony" Albert Kowalski, 78, passed away after a brief illness on October 31, 2021. At peace and without regret, he knew he was going to heaven to be reunited with his parents and brother.
Tony was born in Sandusky, Ohio, to Albert and Virginia Kowalski on July 19, 1943, where he resided throughout his life.
He and his two younger brothers, Danny and David formed a teenage band. Tony graduated from St. Mary High School in 1961, and continued his studies at Bowling Green State University where he received a Bachelors of Music in 1968, while serving in the United States Coast Guard stationed at Cape May, NJ, until honorable discharge in 1973. While married with six children, he earned his Masters of Education from BGSU in 1982, in addition to obtaining a realtor's license and performing in bands.
He played the accordion, Hammond B3 organ, and piano at local night clubs and was a member of The New Pastels, where given the nickname "Tony Baloney". While at a night club engagement, he met Linda Montgomery, the love of his life, and after five months of courting, married her at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church on August 31, 1968.
Together, Tony and Linda dedicated their lives to Christ early in their marriage and raised their six children with faith in God and believing that with God all things are possible. They loved hosting parties at their home, making memories with their family. Throughout their 53-year marriage, they bought and remodeled rental apartments, serving as landlords for 40 years. He taught music for 35 years at Sandusky City Schools until his retirement in 2004 and was a third degree black belt karate instructor at the YMCA. Until his passing, Tony continued serving as a landlord, while devoting the last ten years as his beautiful wife's care giver.
Tony would often be found composing music at his Steinway piano, where he loved to play his latest composition for his family. He also enjoyed playing pool, target shooting at the conservation club and fixing things, often working under a car, appliance, or a kitchen sink.
He wanted to be remembered that "He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who wished to serve God and trust in Him." He will be forever missed by his devoted wife, Linda, and their six children, Brian (Christine) Kowalski, Tiffany Kowalski, Holly (John) Graham, Kristi (Raymond) Schaefer, Lisa (Pete) Sokoloski, and Leslie (Richard) Speer; his nineteen grandchildren; his brother, David and his nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Virginia (Passanisi) Kowalski, his brother, Daniel Kowalski, and nephew, Daniel Kowalski.
A private family life celebration will be held in the coming weeks and his family kindly requests that any memorial contributions be made to: the National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030, https://donate.nra.org/donate and Cancer Services, 505 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870, https://www.cancerresources.org/donate. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
