John L. Kowalski

John L. Kowalski, 82, of Quakertown, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Phoebe—Richland.

Born on January 22, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a son of the late John W. and Hattie (Augustine) Kowalski.

A graduate of Benedictine High School’s Class of 1962, John went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame (1966), followed by a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University (1975), and later graduated from the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program (2000).

John began his career as an engineer with General Electric and Honeywell, later returning to GE as a corporate consultant. Over the course of his distinguished career, he was awarded ten United States patents, a reflection of his ingenuity and dedication to his field. His professional accomplishments continued through leadership roles as President of Varian, Vice President of Ryan Homes, Vice President of Technitrol, and finally as President and CEO of Pulse in San Diego.

John will be forever remembered for his lifelong love of astronomy, reflected in the observatory he built; his passion for skiing; his extraordinary engineering mind and ability to fix just about anything; his quick wit; and his unwavering enthusiasm for his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Above all, he will be remembered for his deep love of family and devotion to his wife. 

In retirement, John found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren, and in using his carpentry skills to create hope chests for his grandchildren—lasting gifts crafted with skill, care, and love.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother: Thomas Kowalski.

John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly fifty-eight years: Janice S. (Horvath) Kowalski, to whom he wed on June 30, 1968; son: John C. Kowalski (Bekke); daughters: Susan LaBonge (Chris) and Marianne Kowalski; grandchildren: Victoria, Hannah, Emma, Madelyn, Molly, Brecken, and Hazel; and sister: Catherine Kowalski.

A visitation will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 2545 West Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of Mass of Christian Burial—in church—at 11:00am.

A private interment will take place in St. John Neumann Cemetery, Chalfont.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Arrangements are in the care of the C.R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc., Quakertown.