Donald Kovaleski, 69, of Richmondale, died Thursday April 4th at Geisinger CMC, Scranton.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Mary Linsinbigler.

Born in Carbondale, son of the late Albert and Ester Dinkel Kovaleski, he was a member of St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  He was a graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School, Carbondale.  He was employed by the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, which later merged with the Canadian Pacific Railroad as a welder, before retiring as a bridge inspector.  He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter, who enjoyed traveling to New York State to fish for salmon; he was a member of the Panther Mountain Hunting Club and the Taurus Club, Scranton.  Donald had a great love for his family, especially his grandchildren; he would always attend their activities whenever he could to support them.  He also looked forward to family get-togethers, like making kielbasa or soppressata, where he could be found enjoying a cold Genesee. 

Also surviving are two children: Erik Kovaleski, Richmondale; Maria Kovaleski, Forest City; 8 grandchildren: Scarlett Williams; Luke, Chaz, Owen, and Jack Kovaleski; Gunnar Blanton; and Brynlee and Hayslee Kovaleski; two brothers: Robert Kovaleski, Simpson; Tony Kovaleski and wife Ann Marie, Greenfield Twp.; two sisters: Rosemary Kovaleski, Carbondale; and Shirley Bowler and husband George, Vandling; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by 8 brothers: Albert, Thomas, James, Francis, Kenny, Walter, Daniel, and John; and 2 sisters: Esther and Thelma.

The funeral will be Tuesday April 9th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale.  Interment, Canaan Corners Cemetery, Waymart.  Friends may call Monday, from 4 to 7 pm at the Jones & Brennan Funeral Home, 430 Main Street, Forest City, and on Tuesday morning at the church from 9am until mass time.