VINCENT S. KOWAL

Vincent “Vinnie” S. Kowal  74, of Myrtle Beach, SC passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2024.

Vinnie was born on May 5, 1949 to the late Francis and Janina (Niezgoda) Kowal in Pawtucket, RI. He graduated from William E. Tolman High School in 1967.  Vinnie enlisted in the Navy in 1969 where he would spend approximately 4 years on a submarine as part of the crew aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN-602). After his active duty service, he spent many years in the Naval Reserves and had the opportunity to travel the world visiting locations such as South Korea, Spain, England, Iceland, Portugal and Germany. After eating such wonderful cuisine on these trips his sport-coat was always a little tougher to button on the return trip. Vinnie retired from the Naval reserves as a QMC(Quartermaster Chief Petty Officer) which was a great source of pride for him.  

Vinnie met his wife Kathleen while they were both working at the Pawtucket Water Supply Board and they were married in 1978 at St. Maria Goretti Church in Pawtucket, RI.  In 1979, their son Paul Vincent was born. 

In 1984 he began his career with the US Postal Service in Providence RI.  Vinnie proudly spent most of his career as a Supervisor of Distribution Operations and was a dedicated employee who rarely missed work.  He always loved to show off how many sick hours he had banked on his paystub! He always took pride in giving his best and being as honest and fair as he could with everyone whether they were his employees or his peers.  

In 2002, he was able to transfer to the USPS Distribution Center in Florence, SC and started a new chapter of his life living in Myrtle Beach, a place he had been vacationing to for years.  In 2005 he retired from the USPS but wasn’t ready to just sit at home, so he kept himself busy by working at the local Scotchman convenience store and the Fairfield Inn.  This was the perfect fit for Vinnie as he loved talking to people and sharing a funny story, joke, or giving a referral to a good local restaurant. 

Vinnie was always a fan of the NY Yankees and when asked why he didn’t grow up rooting for Boston, he would say you weren’t allowed to like the same team as your older brother!  Vinnie always looked back fondly on going to Yankee Stadium back when he would run trips for the postal employees and their families. 

Vinnie will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit, and his unwavering willingness to always help anyone in need.  His stories and silly jokes will continue to live on through those who had the privilege of knowing him and loving him.  

Vinnie is survived by his wife of 46 years Kathleen (Iafrate) Kowal, his son Paul Kowal and wife Brandi, Grandchildren Miles, Calvin and Maisie Kowal.  He is also survived by his brothers Frank Kowal (Cheryl) and William Kowal (Diane) as well as his Godchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place Friday, April 26th at 9:00AM at the Karol A Romenski & Sons Funeral Home 342 High Street Central Falls, RI with a Funeral Service following at 10:00AM in the Funeral Home.  

Burial with Military Honors will follow at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery Exeter, RI. 

A Memorial Mass will take place at Pier Giorgio Frassati Catholic Church 1300 Carolina Forest Blvd. Myrtle Beach, SC. Date and time to be determined.  

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