William J. Cowmey

William Joseph Cowmey was born September 25, 1946, to William T. and Ethel (Foster) Cowmey. He grew up on Pleasant Street making lifelong friendships. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and was a graduate of Mt. Carmel High School Class of 1964. He attended Auburn Community College and Western Michigan.

In December 1970, he was drafted into the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. He was Army Spec. 4 and served as a Radio Operator near Bien Hoa, Vietnam, where he earned a Bronze Star in connection with military operations against hostile forces. He was discharged from the military in March 1972.

Many people who know Bill have met him through his bartending assignments. He began tending bar at the age of 17 at the Sherwood Inn. He prided himself in the fact that he worked in over 25 establishments in the Auburn area, among them Locastro’s, Siracusa’s, Curley’s, Balloons, Pioneer, Springside, Costello’s, and Snapper’s to name a few. He was very much a “people person” who liked to make people laugh. He once kidded with a local priest saying he probably heard more confessions than some priests do.

Bill started working at Highland with Jack Muldoon in the 1970s. That's when he was also introduced to the game of golf, a sport he played for over 50 years. He met so many friends and played numerous golf venues. He got a hole in one at Highland in 1995. He also served on the Board of Directors there for 2 terms.

In 1974, he secured a Civil Service position as the City of Auburn Supervisor of Parks and Recreation, retiring as Director of Parks and Recreation in 1997. During that period, he was in charge of Casey Park, Falcon Park, and the many other parks that were open at that time. His favorite assignment was assisting Mike Oropallo with the CANUS Games. This was the exchange of players in all events - children and adults, to play against the Canadian players. It alternated from the US to Canada each year. So many lasting bonds were made then.

After retirement, Bill continued bartending when needed and volunteering his time. He helped the Christmas Elf Program and Calvary Food Pantry. He also enjoyed baking for the VFW dinners.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, SK Post, UNC, and the Hibernians.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen (Sawaryn) Cowmey; sister, Mary (John) Foster; niece, Marian (Tom) Foster; great nephews, Jacob and Christopher Clark; brother-in-law, Richard Sawaryn; niece, Heather Sawaryn; and nephew, Christopher Sawaryn.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, June 23, from 10-11:45 at St. Mary’s Church, with a funeral Mass at 12:00. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to either the Calvary or St. Alphonsus Church food pantries. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William J. Cowmey, please visit our floral store.