Hugh Matthew Kowcheck

Hugh Matthew Kowcheck, 78, of Avella, died on Saturday, December 9, 2017, in his home. He was born on January 14, 1939, in Avella, a son of the late Peter and Nellie Sankey Kowcheck. Mr. Kowcheck graduated from Avella High School in 1957. He was a member of St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, in Avella. Hugh worked as an iron worker for Iron Workers Local Union #3, in Pittsburgh, for the majority of his life. He loved gardening, fruit trees, hunting rabbits, his dogs, and especially going fishing with his brother, Jim. A veteran of the United States Navy, he served from September 10, 1957, until his Honorable Discharge, as Aviation Structural Mechanic, Petty Officer Third Class, on September 9, 1963. On June 8, 1964, he married Esther Ann Sphar, who died on April 26, 2016. Surviving are two sons, Eric (Chanin) Kowcheck, and Mark (Theresa) Kowcheck, both of Wellsburg, WV; two daughters, LeAnn Garrett, of North Carolina, and Danielle Kowcheck, of Washington; four brothers, James (Julie) Kowcheck, Jack (Cookie) Kowcheck, Dave (Rose) Kowcheck, and Paul (Diane) Kowcheck, all of Avella; three sisters, Bernita (Richard) Defibaugh, and Mary (Jim) Chase, both of Avella, and Mercedes Vaira, of Frederick, MD; six grandchildren, Drake, Jocelyn, Jentzen, Tristan, Karleigh, and Faith; and three great grandchildren, Aalyah, Addisyn, and Brantley. Deceased are two sons, David Scott Garrett, and Daniel Kowcheck, three brothers, Mick, Tom, and Ed, and a sister, Loretta. Friends will be received on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, from 3 to 6 p.m., the time of services, in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Ave., Washington, PA., with Father Alvin Gutierrez officiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to West Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, 19 E. Main St., Avella, PA 15312.