Guestbook and Livestream instructions are below the obituary.

Peter George Kowalsky was born to George Kowalsky and Antoinette Guistino Kowalsky on June 30, 1951, at the Manhattan Polyclinic Hospital in Manhattan, New York.  The family moved from Manhattan to Rosedale, Queens where both the children and family grew.

Peter attended P.S. 38 Elementary School in Rosedale.  Peter started working at big "D's" a fruit stand on the corner of their Rosedale home. He enjoyed working there and often boasted about how the "guys" trusted him with the store. Peter attended Junior High School 51 in Springfield Gardens, and then Springfield Gardens High School, Queens, NY.  Peter married Kathleen Bosco, and they had three children, Tina, Desiree and Peter.  They lived in Bayshore, Long Island before Kathleen moved to Florida in 1983. During this period of  time, he worked for the Incorporated Town of Valley Stream, various restaurants at JFK Airport, culminating in a job at Estee Lauder, in Melville, Long Island.

Peter's career at Estee Lauder lasted about 7 years, he was well known and respected amongst his peers and management.  He was the go-to-guy in the warehouse to get things done!  Estee Lauder led Peter to partner with his brother George, and opened Midnight Encounters, a nightclub in Freeport, NY.  This is when the taste of freedom and the entrepreneurial spirit hit him.  The club stayed open for a couple years, but it changed Peter's life forever.  Entrepreneurship had officially become a part of his DNA.

After Midnight Encounters, he opened P&J Card store in Freeport.  Worked as a restaurant manager at JFK where he learned and mastered restaurant management.  He was a quick study, growing  from managing one restaurant (i.e. Jama Java Café at the Jamaica Bingo Hall, Gladieux Food Services for Delta, Marriott, and Nathan's Famous) to multi-concept restaurants.  He was hitting his mark.  He loved what he did! Business and restaurant management was in his blood!

Peter and Jacquie met and eventually had their son Justin, in 1982.  It would be later in that year they buy their first home in Wheatley Hgts., NY. Eventually the two married in 1986. The family consisted of Peter, Jacquie, Tina, Desi, Cie Cie, and Justin -- the new American blended family. Peter and Jacquie's relationship was fun, happy, and filled with passion.

Anyone who knows Peter, knows that he loved his wife, Jacquie, his children, family, he loved dressing to the nines, eating great food, laughing a lot, singing with feeling, traveling to different places, seeing different things, creating something  from nothing, loved the theatre, loved the beach, loved being outdoors, and loved helping anyway he could.

Throughout his life, Peter exemplified kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for those around them. Whether it was trying to nurse a little injured bird back to health or put a smile on someone feeling sad, Peter's  compassion touched the lives of many,  whether through heartfelt conversations, acts of service, or simply his warm presence. Family, friends, and coworkers alike will remember his laughter, wisdom, jokes, his love for karaoke, and his willingness to lend a helping hand.

Peter has left behind his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline, children Tina Gaudio, Desiree (Vohn) Ferguson, Peter Kowalsky Jr. (deceased), Justin Kowalsky, stepdaughter Mercedeze Dunlap.  Peter has 11 grandchildren: Michael Vieira, Angelina (husband) Coelho, Mia Guadio, Samantha Vieira, Gianna Guadio, Dylan Schossler, Rose Schossler,  Charles Schossler Jr., Vince Ferguson, Jackson Kowalsky, and Jameson Kowalsky.  4 great-grandchildren: Neno Coelho, Daxton Coelho, Sage Coelho and Ivy Coelho. Peter's loving siblings: John Kowalsky (deceased), Mary (John) Montemalo, Susan (Al (deceased)) Brienza, George (Eva Marie) Kowalsky, Jr. and in-laws:  Dr. Helen Newton-Garofolo and John Garofolo. Nephews and nieces: Keith Watkins (deceased), Jandro (Stacey) De La Hoz, Melissa (Rich) Zezima, Christy Vasilliades, Gregory Vasilliades, Gina (Rich) Jarvis, Angela (Marc) Pechman, Justine (Cesar) Quesada, John (Kristen) Kowalsky,  Anthony (Angela) Kowalsky, Adetunji Okunyade, James Brienza, and Michael (Nicole) Brienza. He also leaves a substantial host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and a long-lasting close circle of friends.

Everyone who has had a relationship with Peter has been left with an indelible impression.   The bonds he forged were lasting, and his influence will continue to be felt in the lives of all who knew him.

We mourn our loss but also celebrate the extraordinary life that Peter lived. His memory will remain in our hearts, and his spirit will guide us forward. We pray that Peter  rests in peace, knowing they were deeply loved and will never be forgotten.

Please share your memories of Peter or express condolences to his family through our online guestbook. The online guestbook can be found by scrolling below to the Guestbook box below and clicking on the 'View & Sign' button. You can share your thoughts and memories, upload pictures and/or light a candle.

We will also be live-streaming and recording the service. To view the service virtually scroll below to the Funeral Service box and click on the 'Watch Video' button.