SOUTHAMPTON-Anthony F. Kowal, 60, of Strong Road passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday morning of October 22, after a long illness. Tony was surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was a hardworking and honest man. One never had to guess how Tony felt about things. His integrity and work ethic were admirable. He cared deeply about his entire family. As the oldest son, he felt an incredible sense of responsibility and followed through on that. Tony was born in Northampton, the son of Kenneth Kowal and Francine (Labrie) Phelps. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. During his time there he enjoyed working on the school farm in addition to working in the machine shop. He married Danielle Martula and they settled in Southampton to build a home and raise their family. Tony began a long career with J & E Precision Tool in Southampton. He was a CNC Programmer, working on projects for some of the largest aerospace, marine, microwave, and defense customers in the world. He retired after a 40-year career with J & E Precision. When not at work, Tony loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He was so proud and happy for every accomplishment. He enjoyed coaching his children in their youth, including softball, soccer and basketball. On any given day, he would be off fishing with his kids and enjoying the simpler things in life. Tony took great pride in caring for the home he built. Anyone driving by the house, would notice the meticulousness of his lawn. He enjoyed mowing, but also loved spending time on his front porch with his bulldog Zoe. He enjoyed talking about the wonderful childhood memories he had with his grandparents Armand and Paulette Labrie, at the Baystate Hotel and Cozy Oaks restaurants. Tony’s favorite place to vacation was Camp Ellis in Saco, Maine. The family rented a cottage each year for nearly twenty years and he enjoyed inviting any and all, creating timeless and cherished memories. Tony was also a volunteer with the Southampton Fire Department in his younger years, giving back to the community with his sense of stewardship. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Kowal and stepfather Robert Phelps. He leaves his beloved wife, Danielle (Martula) Kowal. His cherished mother Francine (Labrie) Phelps. His devoted children; Garrett Kowal of Pendleton, SC, and Jessica (Kowal) Feyre and her husband Michael of Montgomery. His cherished grandchildren, Rosalie and Sawyer and his siblings; Denise (Kowal) McCarthy, her husband John, Robert Phelps and his wife Shannon, and Francis Phelps and his wife Tanya and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at the AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. Family and friends may gather directly at Our Lady of the Valley Church, Adams St., Easthampton on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. to celebrate the Liturgy of Christian burial for Tony. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Northampton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the St. Jude’s children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105