John Wowk


John Wowk

Poughkeepsie, NY- John Wowk, born in Pittsfield, MA, and a resident of Poughkeepsie and West Dover, VT, died peacefully among family on Sunday, December 20. Born on September 4, 1929, he was the twin brother of Jane Wowk who preceded him in death. He was the youngest son of Jacob and Mary Wowk.  Mr. Wowk enlisted in the United States Air Force immediately after graduating from Pittsfield High School, Class of 1949.  He served in Flagstaff, AZ, during the Korean War, training pilots in emissions ejections from aircraft.   He was an excellent mechanic who crafted his skills to ensure safety on jets and all his family’s cars. Mr. Wowk had an exemplary career, beginning with General Electric and dedicated years of service with IBM, Poughkeepsie.
He commuted every weekend from New York to Vermont to build his own ski chalet and to ski Mount Snow.  He was an original member of the Mount Greylock Ski Club and Bousquet Mountain Ski Patrol.  He skied throughout the high peaks of Europe and the Rockies.  He was later instrumental in teaching the four Martin family children to ski the black diamond expert slopes of Mount Snow. Mr. Wowk was a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, VT.   He will always be remembered for his annual parking lot party at the maintenance building parking lot at Mount Snow.  Dozens showed up for a free lunch and to celebrate his kindness and the exuberance of a fun afternoon with the Green Mountains in the background, snowflakes, and the joy of outdoor life.
He was preceded in death by his older brother Nicholas (Grace) and his sisters Stephanie Zack (Michael), Sandy Wowk, and Jane Wowk.  He is survived by his sisters Olga Carmel (Donald) and Katherine Maggiacomo (Anthony).  He is also survived by his nephews Ronald Van Wowk,  Gary Van Wowk (Marguerite), Don Carmel (Nancy), Dean and Thomas Zack, and Bruce Carmel, and his niece Denise Carmel Martin (Jerry).  He is survived by his grandnephews Colin Martin (Cheryl) and Alexander Carmel; grandnieces Meghan Martin Mullins (Thomas), Kiersten Martin, Caitlin Martin, Krista Dearen (Jerrod), and Maria Carmel; and great-grandnephews and nieces Jordan, Katrina, Jaxon, Grace, Brylee, and Cooper.  Peace to his soul.
Due to COVID-19, a private service will be held.  Memorial donations can be made to Windham County Humane Society, 916 West River Road, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH Inc.  To send an online condolence visit www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com.

The Deerfield Valley News

797 VT Route 100 North
Wilmington, VT 05363

Phone: 802-464-3388
Fax: 802-464-7255

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