SUNDERLAND - Robert "Bob" Kowaleck, age 86, passed away on Sunday, December 4th 2016 after an extended illness.He was born on April 19th, 1930 in Sunderland, MA the son of the late Michael and Mary (Jackowski) Kowaleck. Bob was married on September 25th, 1955 to Mary Ann Niedbala. Bob owned and operated his family business, The Sunderland Package Store, for many years and later enjoyed working at Skinner State Park, as well as, represented The Town of Sunderland as an Assessor for 37 years. Bob was also recognized as a U.S. Air Force Veteran, stationed in Korea until his honorable discharge in 1953. Bob took great pride and pleasure in his home, where he lovingly created an oasis of fun alongside beautiful gardens and bountiful fruit and berry trees. His love for fishing and wild mushroom picking were shared and passed on to his loving family members. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; their four children Cynthia Oetker, Jim Kowaleck and his wife Ann, Sharon Wetherby and Becky Kowaleck; Grandchildren John, Katherine and Robert Dyer, Victoria and Ronald Wetherby, Mary Kowaleck, and Bob's pet cat, Gracie. All services are private. Memorials can be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church, 29 Sugarloaf St. South Deerfield, MA 01373 or to the Friends of the Mount Holyoke Range PO Box 728, South Hadley, MA 01075. The Czelusniak Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.