Obituary of T Nowak USAF SGT

Name: TSgt. Donald J. "Don" Nowak, USAF (Ret.) Date of Death: Tuesday, December 11, 2007 Residence: Rome, New York Age: 75 Obituary:Donald J. Nowak, 75, of 409 Ridgewood Drive, Rome, NY, passed away on December 11, 2007, at home with his loving family by his side. He was born on February 20, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of the late Edward and Phyllis (Kaczmarek) Nowak. Don was united in Holy Matrimony to the former Mary F. Gallagher on October 15, 1955 at St. Lucy's Church in Syracuse, NY. Following graduation from the Boys' Trade and Technical High School, Milwaukee, WI in 1950, Don enlisted in the USAF. He earned an Associates Degree in Advanced Russian Language from Syracuse University in 1954 and from there was assigned to USAF Special Intelligence Activity. During his military career he served in Europe through the final stages of the occupation of Germany and had numerous in-country assignments in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972 with numerous awards and citations. His final assignment was at Rome Air Development Center. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, VFW, American Legion, and AF Sergeants' Association. Upon retirement from the Air Force he worked for the City of Rome as a research analyst to Mayor William Valentine, after which he also became active with the GOP in local and county politics. Don was an usher, Eucharistic Minister and communicant at St. Paul's Church and had a strong belief in community service. Over the last forty years, he generously contributed his time and talent, chairing numerous committees for various area organizations including Rome Catholic High School, St. Paul's Parish Council, Board of Directors at Ava Dorfman Senior Center, Board of Directors at Rome YMCA, and most notably Rotary International District 7150 and Council 391 Knights of Columbus. He was named a Paul Harris Fellow by The Rotary Foundation in 2007, the highest honor awarded by Rotary International. In his work with the Knights of Columbus Assembly, he served as a Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and Master of the 4th NY District. Don is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 52 years, Mary Nowak; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Stephen O'Connor, Bethlehem Twsp, NJ; seven sons, Col. (USAF retired) Michael Nowak and wife Charlotte, Bellbrook, OH and son Andre Rondeau, Austin, TX; Dr. Mark Nowak, DVM, Manlius, NY; David Nowak, Marlton, NJ; Paul Nowak and wife Margaret and their son Nathan, Basking Ridge, NJ; Christopher Nowak, Esq. and wife Maureen and their children Aidan, Declan, Maeve, Cian, Eilís and Tiarnan, Chester, NJ; John Nowak and his children McKenzie, Trisdan and stepson Zachary Fuller; Sean Nowak and wife Susan and their children Michael and Elizabeth, Charlotte, NC. Other surviving members include one sister, Rita Bonenfant, Glendale, AZ; two brothers, Ronald Nowak and wife Camille, New Berlin, WI; Edward Nowak and wife Janet, Newport, TN; a sister-in-law Dolores Nowak, Milwaukee, WI; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by one brother, Gerald Nowak; and a gifted niece and godchild, Michelle Nowak. He was sustained through his most recent illness by the love and devotion of his wife and children who offered great comfort and constant support. His family would like to thank Hospice Care, Inc., especially Bonnie Mackin, Ann Amato and Mary Jeror, and the doctors and nurses on 6 East at the Syracuse VA Medical Center for their wonderful care and compassion. They wish to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jane Hudson, a dedicated physician and dear friend. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at 10:15 AM from Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, 418 N. George St. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Church. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Contributions may be made in Don's memory to St. Paul's Church Memorial Fund, 1807 Bedford Street, Rome, NY 13440 and/or the Rome Rotary Club, P.O. Box 665, Rome, NY 13442-0655. Services: Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at 10:15 AM from Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, 418 N. George St. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Church. Interment will follow at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00 to 3:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Contributions may be made in Don's memory to St. Paul's Church Memorial Fund, 1807 Bedford Street, Rome, NY 13440 and/or the Rome Rotary Club, P.O. Box 665, Rome, NY 13442-0655.