Kenneth J. Glowacki's Obituary
Ken Glowacki, who had a heart as big as he was, died Thursday morning surrounded by his family – just as he always was at home -- in Mercy New Life Hospice. He was 86.
A father of five, grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of 11, he was quick-witted and feisty to the end, when his body just gave out. He tried to stay strong, but was never quite the same after his wife of 59 years, Margaret, died in 2013.
If you live in Amherst, you probably know him. A handsome 6-foot-4, he was a familiar figure around town. He served on the Amherst Board of Education and later worked for Amherst Schools as superintendent of grounds and maintenance for 28 years, retiring in 2008. Before that, he was a mechanical engineer at Amherst Hardware. They were both walking distance from his Church Street home.
He loved Amherst and was proud of the many things he helped get done while working for the schools, including overseeing the construction of Amherst Junior High.
He loved working in his yard and, when younger, had a big vegetable garden. He served in the Navy after graduating from Lorain High School in 1950 and attending The Ohio State University.
But, beyond all that, the most important thing to him was his family. He was kind and generous and even when acting gruff (which he sometimes liked to do) immediately softened. His passing leaves a huge hole in his family.
Ken is survived by five children and their families. Kris (Glowacki) Boden and her husband, Reed, were the first number on his speed dial and dial he did, especially near the end. The twins, Tim Glowacki and his wife, Amy; and Jim Glowacki also lived nearby and were called when muscle was needed. Dave Glowacki was always available, trying to keep his yard as beautiful as it was when he was tending to it himself. His oldest daughter, Patti (Glowacki) Ewald moved to Florida in 2010 but had been his main coffee klatch buddy on his way to work at the schools.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Mike Ewald (wife Gennessa), Claremont, Calif.; Matt Ewald, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Peter Boden, Amherst; Dan Boden (wife Antigone), Amherst; Lindsey Naro (husband Cole), Elyria; Charlotte Boden, Orlando, Fla.; Kenny Glowacki (wife Jackie), Vermilion; Tyler Glowacki (wife Ashley), Vermilion; Nick Glowacki (wife Kara), Amherst; Zac Glowacki, Lorain; Lauren Glowacki, Lorain; Morgan Glowacki, Amherst; Ryan Glowacki, Amherst; Rachel Glowacki, Amherst; Aaron Glowacki, Amherst; and 11 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marie Stuparek.
The family will receive friends and family at Dovin and Reber Jones, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, on Monday, Aug. 12, from 3-7 p.m. There will be a small service following visitation. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
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