Obituary of Raymond S. Kowatch

Cortland, NY- Raymond S. Kowatch, 88, formerly of New Hartford, NY, passed peacefully from this world on July 2, 2017 to be reunited with his dear wife of 53 years, Elizabeth (Puskar) Kowatch. He was a loved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Raymond was born in United, PA, August 20,1928 to the late Lewis and Margaret (Spisak) Kowatch School. He graduated from Hurst High School, Mt. Pleasant, PA in 1946 and faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force as a radio operator and staff sergeant from 1948-1952. Raymond went on to earn graduate degrees in physics at Waynesburg College and St. Vincent's College, Latrobe, PA. He was an electrical engineer for General Electric and the United States Defense Department at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome NY until his retirement in 1994. Raymond was proud to be a previous member of Forty Martyrs Catholic Church, Trauger, PA, longtime member of St. Patrick's Church, Clayville, NY, and communicant of Our Lady of the Rosary, New Hartford, NY. Raymond is survived by son, Ray (Patricia) Kowatch; grandchildren, Olivia and Joshua Kowatch, Port Ewen, NY; daughters Mary Lou (Daryl) Daze, Hartland, WI, and Nancy Kowatch, Cortland, NY; three sisters, Ethel (John) Caverno, Savannah, GA, Margaret (James) Kashin, Pittsburgh, PA, and Delores (Alquin) Heinnickel, Crabtree, PA. and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by beloved sisters, Irene (John) Yasher, Eleanor Kowatch, and brother Lewis (Gwendolyn) Kowatch. Raymond's family would like to give special thanks to the Cortland Volunteer Fire Department and Hospice of Cortland County for their assistance and care of Raymond and his family. Friends may wish to consider a gift to the Cortland Fire Department, Cortland, NY or Trauger Fire Department, Trauger, PA in Raymond's memory. Calling hours for Raymond and Elizabeth Kowatch will be held at a later date at the Leo Bacha Funeral Home, Pleasant Unity, PA. Wright Beard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.