Middle Grove, NY - John Francis Chowske, 95, of Middle Grove,  passed away peacefully in Saratoga Hospital surrounded by his loving family Thursday (Oct. 2, 2025).

Born June 11, 1930 in New York City he is the son of the late George E. and Anna (Wenzel) Chowske. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson Vocational High School in Jamaica, NY in 1948. He went on to work for the Long Island Railroad, followed by a career as a Railroad Equipment Inspector for the New York State Department of Transportation.

John is survived by his wife of 74 years, Evelyn (Punturiero) Chowske, their children: John Chowske and wife Tammy of Centereach, NY, Michael Chowske and wife Linda of Peoria, AZ, Joseph Chowske and wife Anne, of South Glens Falls, NY, Mary Claire Strait and husband Robert of Clifton Park, NY, Mary Jean Mavente and husband Vincent, Jefferson of GA; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and was predeceased by his daughter Dianne and son Stephen; sisters Claire Fox and Alice Shaffer and brother Joseph Chowske.

He was known for being a loving parent and husband, avid railroad enthusiast and enjoyed baking for the holidays. An active member and parishioner of the Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs for more than 50 years, he attended daily Mass, he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lecter. He brought Holy Communion to residents of the Wesley Nursing Home and always enjoyed leading daily prayer service when needed. A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S Army, 7th Infantry Division, 31st Field Artillery Battalion from 1951-1953 and remained an active member of the Korean War Veterans Association.

An honorary Life Third degree member of the Knights of Columbus Saratoga Council #246, he was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree Assembly 745 and longtime member of the Color Corps.

Friends may call from 10 to 11am Thursday (Oct. 9, 2025) in the Church of St. Peter. 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, followed at 11am by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated by Rev. James Ebert, pastor. Burial with military honors will be at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in his name sent to St Jude Children's Research Hospital. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, where online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.