Obituary: Educator John Peter Kowal Passes Away at 84

April 11 1941 – July 2, 2026

John Peter Kowal, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and community volunteer, passed away peacefully on July 2 at the age of 84.

Born in Derby, Connecticut, to John Kowal and Mary Klimkowski, John grew up alongside his sister, Barbara Pietruszka. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 1963, followed by a Master’s degree (1965) and a Sixth-Year Certificate (1967) from the University of Bridgeport.

John began his teaching career at Willis Grammer School in Ansonia (1964-67) and went on to serve at Turkey Hill School and Peck Place School in Orange. He later held principal positions at Mary L. Tracy School (1970-79) and Race Brook School (1980-83), before returning to Peck Place as principal (1983-89). From 1989-93 he was Principal and Director of Curriculum at Mary L. Tracy School, and he served as Superintendent of Schools for Orange, Connecticut, from 1994 until his retirement in 2001.

In 1964 John married his high school sweetheart, Maria J. Matricaria. The couple shared 53 wonderful years together before Maria’s passing in February 2017. They were the proud parents of Christopher and Matthew (married to Pamela), and devoted grandparents to Kayla (Boston, MA), Trevor and Hunter (Lakeland, FL), and Tyler Swartout (Fort Worth, TX).

After retiring, John moved to St. Simons Island in 2002, where he settled at Hampton Plantation. He quickly became an integral part of the community, serving as a longtime volunteer for the RSM Golf Classic, an avid golfer, and past President of the Hampton Plantation Homeowners Association.

John Peter Kowal will be remembered for his dedication to education, his warm spirit, and his generous service to those around him. He leaves behind his children, grandchildren, sister, extended family, and many friends who will cherish his memory.