Louis J. Kwiatkowski

Louis J. Kwiatkowski (1936-2023)

Louis J Kwiatkowski, son of the late Louis and Helen Kwiatkowski died peacefully Saturday, April 1st, surrounded by family and most assuredly his wife Kappy (as he called her).  Lou lived a great life and often spoke how thoroughly content he always felt.  A most proud papa, father, and husband.  He is survived by his wife Kathleen Ann Becker Kwiatkowski; son Lou Kwiatkowski (Cheryl); daughters Marikae Chrzanowski (John), Lynn Pruckner (Scott), and Kristine Timpano (Frank); 11 grandchildren Evan, Nick (Alli), Chelsea (Mike), Morgan, Carly (Tommy), Vinny, Emma (Caleb), Celia (Ceci), Noah, Alexa, and Drew; and his beloved 4 great grandchildren Shay, Jade, Jude, and Gracie.  He is further survived by sister-in-law Alice Kenton, as well as nieces, Allison and Amy, and their families.  He was preceded in death by brother Donald Kenton and his best friend Ronnie Costello.

Upon high school graduation from East High in 1954, Lou joined the Army to serve his country, which eventually took him to Hawaii.  While in the service he played football, boxed, and participated in track and field.  He would go on to play football for Edinboro University where he became a member of Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity and the Gamma Theta Upsilon Honors Society.  He graduated with a bachelor's and master's in education.  He would later further his education at Purdue University.  Lou went on to work as a high School teacher for the Erie School District, spending most of his thirty-two-year tenure teaching history and drivers' education.  He coached football for many years and helped to lead the East High Warriors to their undefeated season in 1969.  Their motto "hustle and crack" never died as he continued to live his life with the same fervor.

After retirement Lou became a passionate spectator of life.  His biggest joy came from watching his children and grandchildren achieve in their various endeavors.  There were athletes, scholars, singers, and actors among the 11 of them-to him they were all the very best.  He attended the YMCA most of his life, eventually joining Pennbriar and then LECOM Wellness Center where he would meet up with friends to brag about their grandchildren.  Lou and Kap spent over 20 years wintering in sunny Florida, making fond memories and friendships.  He was proud and felt truly lucky to enjoy a long and wonderful retirement with his wife of almost 62 years.

If there is one thing that his family will treasure most about Lou it would be his story telling.  He was a master storyteller, and his favorite topics included his time in the Army, coaching memories, and most of all his legendary childhood dog "Champ".  He absolutely never tired of telling them, and his family never tired of hearing them.  Lou was truly a great man whose impact and love will forever be felt by the family that loved him dearly.

Family and friends may attend a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Church 2401 West 38th St. on Saturday April 29, at 1PM.  In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Erie Times Newsies 

The Carl A. Slomski & Son Funeral Home Inc. 2101 Ash St. is handling arrangements.

Please send condolences to www.slomskifuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Louis J. Kwiatkowski, please visit our floral store.