Thomas J. "Coach K" Kowaleski

Dec 2, 1956 - Nov 4, 2022

Sandusky

Thomas James "Coach K" Kowaleski, 65, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly late Friday afternoon, Nov. 4, 2022, at his home.

Thomas was born Dec. 2, 1956, in Fremont, Ohio, the son of John Urban and Genevieve "Jean" Mary (Zola) Kowaleski. He was a 1975 graduate from Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic High School and went on to attend Otterbein College and later graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1979. He taught and coached for over 30 years, teaching first at St. Mary's Junior High School and then at Adams Junior High before retiring in 2010.

He coached Sandusky girls basketball, Sandusky baseball, Sandusky golf, St. Mary's basketball, and Huron basketball and baseball. After retirement, he worked as a starter at Thunderbird Hills Golf Course as well as director of research and development for the Goodtime I. Coach loved all sports, golfing and fishing, and was a die-hard fan of all Detroit teams. He may have been most happy during his annual trips to northern Michigan. Tom also loved telling stories that began with "Have you heard the one about...?"

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sandusky Elks Lodge #285, and Sandusky Orioles Club Nest #279. Tom was inducted into Fremont St. Joe's Hall of Fame, class of 1998. As a coach, he was also a member of Sandusky Blue Streaks' 1988 baseball team and the 1988-89 girls basketball team.

Coach is survived by his wife, Barbara J. "Barb" "Kitty" (Nieset) Kowaleski whom he married March 28, 1980; daughter, Elyse (Josiah) Sanchez of Middleburg Heights; two sons, Adam (Allyson) Kowaleski of Columbus and Aaron (Janelle) Kowaleski of Bellevue; grandchildren, Evelyn, Nolan, and Hayes (Adam and Allyson) Sadie, Nina, and Sylvie (Elyse and Josiah) and Emma (Aaron and Janelle); two brothers, Dave (Connie) of Bellevue and Gary (Lou Ann) of Westerville; and nieces and nephews. Tom also had a special friendship with his college buddies, "the Hyenas," who he loved like brothers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Jean; and twin brother, Stephen Kowaleski.

It was his wish to be cremated. Funeral Liturgy Outside of Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Avenue, Sandusky. Deacon Jeff Claar will officiate. Later that day, a celebration of life will be 4 p.m. at Sandusky Elks Lodge # 285, 120 E. Adams Street, Sandusky.

The family suggests that memorials contributions be made in his memory to one's favorite charity.

Arrangements are entrusted to David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Coach's family at davidfkoch.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sandusky Register on Nov. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kowaleski

Sponsored by David F. Koch Funeral Home.

8 Entries

Bob Fraley

February 3, 2023

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Had a lot of good times with his brother Dave and his brother in law Gene. May peace be with the family.

Johnny

November 17, 2022

Mr. K was my Science teacher in 7th grade, he had a beard back then. Shared a lot of his experiences becoming a father and he loved the Tigers. Sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family, friends, and students.

Paul Stein

November 11, 2022

Coach K - was my 5th grade teacher and basketball coach in high school - was one of the best men I have ever been around - many times I think about his example or something he said or the way he handled himself - confident and in control with a humorous wit - would have loved to have shared this with him - it was an honor to have been led by him....

L Bilgen

November 9, 2022

Our sincere sympathies Barb and Family on Tom´s passing..he will always be remembered as a great friend and neighbor. Cleats & Lois Bilgen

Jenny Eberly Willey

November 8, 2022

Dave sorry to hear about your brother. Your family is in my prayers.

Sue Camp

November 8, 2022

Barb I´m so sorry to hear of Toms passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian and Marie Heath

November 8, 2022

Great memories of Coach K who coached two of our sons at SMCC. All our sympathy to Barb and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brian and Marie Heath

Sharon Gallagher (formerly Gimperling)

November 7, 2022

Loved teaching with Tom at Adams Junior High. He was always a positive force for students and staff. He brought a smile to my face whenever we passed in the halls. Prayers of comfort to Barb and all of his family.

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