Bryan L. Kowalczyk - Obituary

ryan Lee Kowalczyk, lovingly known as “Big B” and “Pop-Pop,” passed away on January 31, 2025, in Richmond, VA, at the age of 70. Born on July 7, 1954, in Baltimore, MD, he was the beloved son of Ida and Leo Kowalczyk. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, Bryan built his life around the people he loved. He was the steady foundation upon which his family stood—always ready with open arms, wise counsel, and a heart full of love. His presence at every milestone, big or small, was a testament to his deep and selfless commitment to those he held dear. Bryan was the devoted husband of Joanne Kowalczyk (formerly Nolan) and the proud father of Tonya Kowalczyk, Deanna Kowalczyk (married to Matt Shufflebarger), and Melissa Kowalczyk (married to Daniel Clark). His greatest joy was being Pop-Pop to his cherished grandchildren, Nolan Erickson and Savannah Shufflebarger. He is also survived by his loving sister, Barbara Greenberg, and a lifetime of dear friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Leo Kowalczyk. Bryan was a man of unwavering integrity and authenticity. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome—never treating anyone as an outsider and always finding a way to connect with those around him. He believed in treating people with respect and fairness, a quality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His passions were simple but deeply meaningful: watching his daughters play basketball, taking his grandson to baseball games, and cheering on his beloved Baltimore Orioles. He loved classic cars, the Rolling Stones, and summers spent in Ocean City, MD, and Cape Hatteras, NC. Whether he was picking crabs, fixing cars, hanging in his treasured bar, or simply sharing a laugh with family and friends, Bryan made every moment count. Above all else, he loved his family unconditionally and took immense pride in being the best husband, father, and Pop-Pop. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bryan's life on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bryan’s memory to Walking With Anthony (11693 San Vicente Blvd #375, Los Angeles, CA 90049 | walkingwithanthony.org), an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries, or to The Mike Davis Foundation (4640 Duley Drive, White Plains, MD 20695), an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to high school student-athletes who exemplify outstanding character both on and off the field. Bryan’s presence, his laughter, and his unwavering love will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His spirit lives on in the love he shared and the lives he touched. "LET’S GO O’s!"