Albert J. Kowatch

Albert J. Kowatch, 89, of Latrobe, died Sunday, June 1, 2008, in Greensburg Care Center. Born Dec. 12, 1918, in Lloydsville, he was a son of the late Alexander and Mary Sabo Kowatch. He was a retired maintenance worker for Kennametal. Mr. Kowatch was a member of St. Vincent Basilica Parish and Tony Angelo FOE Aerie 01188. A World War II veteran, he served in the Army with the 87th Infantry Division and participated in the campaigns in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy (Rome-Arno River), Central Europe and Northern Germany. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the ETO Ribbon with five battle stars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Alexander, Joseph, Frank, Michael, Edward and Julius Kowatch; and two sisters, Bertha Hall and Elizabeth Hezo. He is survived by his wife, Helen (DePaolo) Kowatch, with whom he spent 62 "Great" years; a son, Dennis Kowatch and his wife, Peggy; three grandchildren, Lauren, Nathan and Erick; and two sisters, Clara Kowatch and Helen Hornock and her husband, Michael, all of Latrobe. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the FREDERICK FUNERAL HOME INC., 1543 Ligonier St., Latrobe. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday in St. Vincent Basilica Parish at 11:30 AM. Burial will be in St. Vincent Cemetery, Latrobe. The combined funeral detail of American Legion Post 515 and VFW Post 3414 will provide military honors Tuesday morning in the funeral home at 10:30 AM. To send online condolences, visit www.frederickfuneralhome.com.