Eugene John "Baggy" Kowal, 88, of 1860 Main Street died Saturday, January 16 in St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.

    He leaves two daughters, Linda Mikkila and her husband Arvid of Leicester, Ann Marie Letendre and her husband William of Bradenton, FL; two brothers, Roger Kowal and his wife Theresa of Spencer, Kairol Kowal and his wife Rose of Spencer; six grandchildren, Victor, Kristian, Jessica, Eugene, Laura & Lauren; 10 great grandchildren, Julia, Zack, Kayli, Stuart, Olivia, Sherrie, Anna, Arvid, Erik & Ella; and many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by two brothers and their wives, John & Julian and Priscilla & Lorraine Kowal.

    Mr. Kowal was born in Worcester, son of Joseph and Anna (Sura) Kowal. He grew up in Spencer and lived in Leicester most of his adult life. He worked for many years at U.S. Steel Co. in Worcester before retiring. He served in the United States Navy during WW II, he was assigned to the oil ship USS Monongahela. The ship fueled and supported the battle ship fleets in the South Pacific and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa narrowly escaping attacks at Keroma Rato on April 16, 1945. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, especially his two daughters. Eugene loved visiting family and friends almost daily. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, snowmobiling and tinkering in his garage. He made frequent trips to Foxwoods Casino with his brothers and their wives and his friends to play cards.

    The funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 from MORIN-MORRISON FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main Street, Leicester with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main Street, Leicester. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Friday from 5:00-7:00 PM. Flowers may be sent or memorial donations may be made to Leicester Ambulance Fund, 3 Washburn Square, Leicester, MA 01524.