Paul J. Kowal, former resident of Cranston passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Monday, December 4, 2023, in East Greenwich, RI. He was the husband of the late Ann (Ciccolello) Kowal.
Born in Chicago in 1933, a son of Polish immigrants, Joseph and Sophie, Paul's life journey was a testament to resilience. Raised in the midst of the Great Depression, Paul's early years were marked by humble beginnings that instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work and family values. Upon graduating from high school, Paul joined the US Navy with pride and dedication. He served four years as a skilled aircraft electrician on the USS WASP, the Navy's amphibious assault ship, making lasting memories with fellow servicemen during deployments to Europe in the Mediterranean.
It was during his stationing at Quonset Point in 1953 that Paul found not only professional fulfillment but also love. At a dance, he met Ann, his beloved wife, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage until her passing in 2003. Paul, a man who always put family first, seamlessly integrated into Ann's large Italian family, embracing their diverse backgrounds.
Never one to speak ill of others, Paul radiated kindness and warmth. Following Ann's passing, Paul found companionship and happiness with Palmera Nolan, his partner for nearly 20 years. They walked hand in hand, creating cherished memories that added a new chapter to Paul's rich tapestry of life.
An avid fisherman and tennis player, Paul enjoyed staying active and embracing life's simple pleasures. Despite his Chicago roots, he developed a deep affinity for the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots.
Paul had a successful career at Quonset as an aircraft electrician, later working at the Turnkey Post Office in Providence and Sears in the RI Mall, where he took pride in being one of the first employees of the store.
Paul is survived by his son, Richard A. Kowal and his wife Laura of Cranston, two loving grandchildren, Jessica L. Kowal and her partner Barry, and Shelby M. Boudreaux and her husband Mark, a great-grandchild, Jenelle Anne Boudreaux, and his partner, Palmera Nolan. He is also remembered fondly by a niece in California, a nephew in Illinois, and extended family members. Paul is predeceased by his sister, Loretta Miernizak.
Funeral from Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 E. Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick was on Thursday, December 7, at 8:45 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick. Burial with military honors took place at St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston. Calling hours were Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be to the Cranston Animal Shelter, 920 Phenix Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921.
