William C. Kowtko, 89, of Carbondale, PA., died Sunday night, June 29, 2008 at home after an extended illness. He was the husband of the former Muriel Robinson Torch. He was preceded in death by his first wife the former Julia Torch who died in 1994. Born May 8, 1919 in Dickson City, PA., he was the son of the late Conrad and Mary (Prokipchak) Kowtko. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was the recipient of the Purple Heart for being wounded in action. After recovering from his wounds, he was stationed in New York City with the military police. After the war, he resided in New Jersey and was a 20 year member of the East Paterson Police Department. He later moved to Morgan Hill, California and worked as a supervisor at the space center. In 1995 he moved to Carbondale where he enjoyed the remainder of his retirement. He was a Member of the American Legion for 46 years and was a member of the Elks Club for 20 years. He is survived by one daughter: Jo Ann Lupton and husband Ed of Oregon; two daughter-in-laws: Noreen Kowtko of California and Kathy Kowtko of Oregon; grandchildren: William Lupton and wife Denise of Oregon, Donna D'Inzillo and husband Art of Oregon, Rebecca, Allie, Danielle, Brandon, Anthony Jocelyn, John, Jessica, Haley, Denise, Keri, Nick, Courtney Braelee Lynn; Several Nieces Nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons: William and Robert Kowtko; three brothers: Stephen, Michael and Andrew; five sisters: Katherine, Esther, Natalie, Anna and Mary. The funeral was held Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM from the Carmine J. Louis C. Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Farview and 41st Streets, Carbondale with services at 11:00 AM in St. Tikhon's Orthodox Monastery, South Canaan, PA., with Archimandrite Juvenaly, officiating. Interment, St. Tikhon's Cemetery, South Canaan. Military honors were conducted by the Simpson VFW Post 4712. Friends called Wednesday from 9:00 AM till 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Robert Torch, Andrew Torch, James Wells and Vince Amato.