Stoughton Mourns the Loss of Graig Kowalczyk, 37

Stoughton is saddened at the death of 37-year-old Graig John Kowalczyk, who passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton after a lifelong struggle with Muscular Dystrophy. 

He was the beloved son of former Stoughton Selectman John J. Kowalczyk and Mary R. (Power) Kowalczyk, a teacher at the West Elementary School in Stoughton.

Born in Quincy, Graig was raised and educated in Stoughton and was a 1994 graduate of Stoughton High School. He also attended Massasoit Community College in Brockton, and worked as a dispatcher at the Stoughton Police Department. 

Stoughton Deputy Police Chief Robert Devine said that  "Graig was a good and gentle soul that made all those who knew him smile. We offer our deepest sympathies to his family."

Stoughton Police Officer Sandra Barrett wrote, "Graig was always such a pleasure to be around and had such a great sense of humor. He was truly inspiring. May he rest peacefully."   

Ed Mercer, a family friend from South Carolina, was thinking along the same lines, adding, "Graig was such a compassionate and caring person. I know he will be missed by all those that knew him."  

Jonathan Bloom, a friend from Easton, looked back on Graig's days as a dispatcher: "I think the thing that impressed me the most about Graig when I knew him (when he was working as a dispatcher) was he always appeared to face life head on. He never made excuses, never sought sympathy or pity as others in his position may have done and was always 'his own man' and a good man at that." 

Graig was the Massachusetts State Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He loved music and was an avid Bruins and Patriots fan, and enjoyed talking with family and friends. 

Stoughton Private Investigator James Lindelof said Graig was "a tough kid and an inspiration. His picture will always be in our hearts."  

Sharon Fradkin of the Sharon/Stoughton League of Women Voters, wrote to John and Mary, "Graig's life was a struggle on so many levels and yet, it seems, he handled it graciously and lovingly and you must know how your love and support made his length on this earth possible."  

Bob Evangelista, president of STOYAC, wrote, "Graig was an exceptional human being who simply enjoyed life and fought everyday because of that." 

Lisa LaCasse D'Andrea might have put it perfectly. She wrote a note to Graig the day before he died: "You are the most amazing person, I miss our late night talks and I have learned so much from you! Anytime I feel sorry for myself I think of you and your amazing courage, personality and charm. I wish there were more people in the world like you."

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother Keith J. Kowalczyk, MD and his wife Tara of Washington, DC.  To those who met Graig, he will live on in their memories.  He was an inspiration to so many people. May he Rest in Peace.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rt.27) in Stoughton on Saturday, May 4 at 8 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church Stoughton at 9 a.m.

Visiting Hours are Friday, May 3, from 5-8 p.m.

Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Stoughton.

Donations in Graig's memory may be made to the parish of the Kowalczyk family friend and Holy Cross and Notre Dame priest, Fr. Steve Newton: St. Andre Bessette Catholic Church, 601 West Burnside St., Portland OR, 97209. Donations can also be made directly at www.standrechurch.org.