Gregory Thomas Kowalik, 33, of New Alexandria, PA, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at his home.

The son of Catherine D. Zembruski and Jeffrey Kowalik, he was born on January 8, 1993, in Winfield, IL and was raised in Glendale Heights, IL.

Gregory was a huge fan of the Chicago Bears, a passion that he shared with his Gramma, Chicago Cubs and the X Games. Astronomy was a favorite hobby that he enjoyed with his grandfather and his favorite saying was “Keep Looking Up” (KLU). Gregory believed in the 4ocean global movement and was an avid contributor to their organization.

Surviving is his mother, Catherine D. Zembruski of Blairsville; his father, Jeffrey Kowalik of Park Ridge, Il; a brother, Anthony Kowalik (Jordan) of Kalamazoo, MI; a sister, Samantha Kunkle (Brian) nephew (Bo) of Blairsville; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Per Gregory’s wishes, there are no services.

(Mom) Kit

Greg kept his childlike wonder into adulthood. He was a pure, non-judgmental, young man. He loved his older brother Anthony very much, just 16 months older yet different were they. They enjoyed being on the soccer team together as young boys as well as played basketball and football together in high school. Anthony was extremely competitive, Greg on the other hand was completely chill. It was ok to lose he just loved playing the game and having fun. One vivid memory was going into their bedroom when they were playing guitar hero and Anthony had lost several rounds and Anthony said we are going again, Greg just smiled big and straightened out his fingers and played another song.

Greg was so very close to his younger sister Samantha. She was 2 ½ years younger then him, but so very wise for her Age always. Natural born mother/protector always. Sam was always there for Greg in challenging situations and often wanted him to be safe. A day with Greg and Sam together was filled with crazy storied and hysterical laughter. They had a secret language I did not always understand.

God gave me the blessing of praying with Greg to receive Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was only 5 came home from school sad laying on his bed, I kneeled by him “what’s wrong?” He said he didn’t feel like he belonged and that school felt cold, and he felt so different from other kids. I said “Greg, you are a child of God, you will always feel different because you are a bright light in a hard and sad world and others don’t understand.” I asked Greg “ would you like to receive Jesus into your heart, and he will forever be with you. He will walk beside you each day, and if you feel out of place you will never be alone. Jesus is your Savior and he will never leave you.” We prayed and he received Jesus that evening into his heart, I wish I remembered the exact day.

We were members of a prominent church of the western suburbs of Chicago, Wheaton bible church. Just four years later he chose to be baptized at the age of 9 to publicly express his love for God and how Jesus changed his life. He was always a cheerful, chill, non-judgmental young man. He was a bright light, anyone who met him, even once, would remember him. Sparkling green eyes, whimsical smile and attentive heart.

I would often say Greg was the Cream to my Oreo cookie. The sweetest part. I thank God for the 33 years with him, he’s precious and will always be in my heart. I will miss him terribly, he came over often, doing laundry, picking up casseroles or just hanging out with me. We would play games – Monopoly was his favorite, Yam Slam, or cards. I so enjoyed our time together. His favorite was watching documentaries on YouTube. I could literally ask him anything and he would give me the full explanation, history behind it, and logical conclusion. He was smart beyond his years.

Love always and then some, Mom – I’ll Keep looking up (KLU)

(Dad)

My middle child, Greg, Greg was only 16 months younger than his older brother, Anthony and always had a unique outlook on life with a soft heart. They grew up best friends and loved to play together. I remember when he was little and the doctor said he was going to be 6' 5", I thought that's very tall, I wonder if he will be a basketball player. Greg was so smart, he could have been and done anything he put his mind to.

Everyone loved Greg and he could adapt to any social situation. Greg loved the energy of big cities and especially the City of Chicago. He loved the Chicago Cubs, Bulls and Bears and followed them religiously. He recently told me he wanted to live in Las Vegas.

Greg, as a middle child, was very easygoing. He was so curious, one memory that sticks out is when the Zembruski cousins were visiting us in WI, we were shooting rockets into the air and Greg was the control center/ignition guy. His uncle Ted and I built a large wood playset in our back yard and our 3 children played on it for hours, with Greg doing daredevil stunts.

He was fearless and friendly, always ready to help others.

I will miss you so much my sweet gentle giant, Greg!

I love you,

Dad

(Anthony)

My Younger Brother

Everyone knew the same Greg, but I'm proud to say that I'm the only one who had him as a younger brother. I know that getting to grow up with him was definitely the wildcard luck of the draw.

Our childhood together was filled with fun and laughter no matter what we were doing. He was always a brave and bold kid who fearlessly went through the more interesting door.

He was a perfect younger brother because he was always his own thing. He never tried to copy me or anyone. For all of our differences we always just meshed and got along. Truly brotherhood.

As a young adult I knew my brother as being confidently and charismatically his own character in every situation with the ability to create countless bright impressionable moments that became classic memories.

The best times with Greg were the unexpected, spontaneous ones. When an impromptu pop-in or hangout ran into intense late-night conversations paired with constant genuine laughter.

Greg was always optimistic and definitely happiest when there wasn't an agenda or plan to follow and he could just be or react to the immediate world around him, always presently on his own timeline.

He interacted with whoever he ran into on any given day in a way that assumed he'd known you for years and gave them the genuine Greg experience.

Anyone who didn't have a memorable story about Greg just hadn't met him yet.

When I think of my younger brother I'll always be reminded of his glimmering positivity, his radiant energy and his rockstar vibe.

Love you,

Anthony

(Samantha)

To my brother,

One of my favorite memories was being on an empty plane just you and I going to California to see mom for her birthday. No one else i would of rather been with for 6 hours. "DEJA BLUE." Oh the adventures I bet you are on now.

Missing you is an understatement but the knowing of you in the place that we all wish for is heaven and of course you were the one to make it first, always luckiest guy I know.

Brian still can't believe you won on a scratch off $777.

I hope you meet all your guardian angels that have been working so hard and are talking around a fire drinking and listening to music and I can't wait to join you someday.

Love your Lil Sis.

Uncle Ted

We spent a lot of time with you guys when Greg was just a little guy, I remember goofing around with him and being very young Greg said to me “Uncle Ted your so funny”, but in his little kid speech it came our “Uncle Ted, you da bunny.” I always remember that and it makes me smile. Just a Greg moment I will always remember.

Aunt Karen

I remember visiting Kit when her sons were young, playful boys. My sons were teenagers at the time. Anthony and Greg were playing outside. They had cute targets for their water guns but chose to shoot each other, the windows, flowers, everything, but the targets.

Kit sighed and asked “Are my boys playing too rough?” I assured her, “No they are just boys.” Greg was kind, fun and his life mattered. He is eternally with his Lord and Savior Jesus.

With Love, Aunt Karen.

Aunt Sandy per Kit

He had a special bond with his Aunt Sandy. They both loved talking about the Chicago Cubs and his aunt would tell him when spring training was happening and that her family would go to a couple games.

She would often send him Cub hats. His favorite was the Green military edition. They shared the same interest in the 4Oceans foundation and loved astronomy.

She said” I have to admit; I bought wind chimes for me too. It was just a Greg thing with the wind and all. The sweetest thing happened; I was sitting outside and all of a sudden Greg’s chimes were gently ringing. So of course I answered. Funny thing is I have other wind chimes but his was the only one ringing at that time. I love that so much and felt him nearby. She said to me,” Be comforted just knowing Greg is smiling down on you and doesn’t want you to be sad. He loved you so so much and forever.”