Thomas H. Nowakowski

Thomas Harry (Duke) Nowakowski passed away peacefully after a short illness and a long life on June 3, 2011 with his eldest daughters by his side. Born on May 27, 1921 to Albert and Agnes (Tomas) Nowkowski , he had just celebrated his 90th birthday with a weekend of festivities with his children and friends. Tom was known as a gentle, kind man to all and he left wonderful memories for his children, family and friends. He is remembered by his children as a kind and gentle father who coaxed them into behaving as youngsters with humor and patience (“You won’t get any...”). He’s remembered by all with gratitude for serving his country as an honorable and responsible WWII pilot in the Army Air Force. Tom served in the Pacific theatre near the end of the war and flew in many missions. As he grew older, he shared his WWII stories with younger generations and continued to participate with the Catholic War Veterans in weekly card games. In fact, many many people remember Tom’s avid card playing. His original love of Pinochle was complimented by his recent favorite card game of Texas Hold’em. In Naples Florida, where he lived for the last 2 years, his many friends called him “the Pirate” because of his skill and cunning at the game (and the pirate flag on his trike). After WWII, Tom worked as a tool and die maker and inspector at O’Connell Tool & Die for many years, then retired from Chrysler after 20 years, from which he retired in 1985. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Catherine (Kate) Sneider Nowakowski in 1994. Besides Tom's parents and Katie, he was preceded in death by his brothers John and Raymond Nowakowski and sisters, Joan Schlautmann and Dorothy Sherwin (May 28th 2011). His little sister, Rose (Robert) DeArment, survives along with many of nieces and nephews. Memories of his blessedly long life comfort his 5 children, who survive: Ann Nowakowski of Naples Florida, Joe (Barbara) Nowakowski of Toledo, Matt ( Martha) Nowakowski of Toledo, Drs. Mary Beth (Dennis) Zoglo of Superior Colorado and Barbara (Ron) Vidra of Delta. His 10 grandchildren Thomas and Steven Barry, Kelly Villarreal, Jennifer and Melissa Nowakowski, Albert and Amanda Nowakowski, Kevin, Marie, and Christy Zoglo are left with magical memories of walking in the woods with Grandpa Tom and being told to “watch out for Indians”. Fifteen great grandchildren and Winne (his dog) will also miss him greatly. Friends may call at the Coyle Funeral Home 1770 S. Reynolds Road Thursday from 2-8 p.m. where a scripture service will be recited at 7 p.m. The funeral will begin in the mortuary Friday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Patrick of Heatherdowns Church at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

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Thomas H. Nowakowski

May 27, 1921 - June 3, 2011