John S. Kwiatkowski

Loudonville – It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to John S. Kwiatkowski, “Kwio” “Johnny K,” 63. His heart was so big during his short life that it just got tired of beating on Friday, June 3, 2022. This world, and for that matter, heaven, will never be the same again.

John was born in Albany to the late John and Anna (Bandoff) Kwiatkowski. He jokingly said that he grew up in “L.A.” (lower Albany). He attended St. James, CBA (Class of ’77), and HVCC where he graduated with a degree in Electrical Construction & Maintenance. He worked as an independent electrical contractor for many years and eventually fulfilled his dream of owning his own business when he opened Kwiatkowski Electrical Mechanical Company in 1980. After many years of working hard, and at times playing even harder, John decided to scale back his own business and share his knowledge, expertise, wisdom and humor with other electrical contractors, most recently at A. E. Rosen Electrical Company where he filled the challenging role of Project/ Service Manager, but also served as mentor and confidante to many there who were like family.

Sports were big part of John’s younger days. He was a competitive athlete who played football and tennis and enjoyed running. He hiked many mountains and skied many trails throughout this country and abroad. Some of his fondest memories included spending time with his niece, nephew and ski club friends on the slopes.

A bachelor most of his life, John met Sue (Gordon) in October 2011 and were married on July 19, 2019. Together they had countless adventures, travel and otherwise, and enjoyed many simple pleasures including boating on Lake George, drinking red wine, looking at the moon, sitting on the front porch, watching a roaring fire while sipping Grand Marnier, and breaking bread with family and friends.

In addition to his bride, John leaves behind innumerable loved ones, many of whom will continue to draw on the life lessons he taught: beloved sister Diane, cherished nephews and nieces Matthew (Beth) and Anna for whom he was like a second father, Cameron, Caliana, Isabella, Andre (Claudia), and Natalie, Sue’s children Shawn (Christina) and Evan, many very special cousins, father-in-law, Orin Sussman, sister-in-law Barbara (Gerry) Schwerdt, brother-in-law Rene (Ana) Sussman. He was blessed to be called “Papa” by his precious granddaughter, Claire, and was looking forward to the birth of a grandson in the fall.

Although he never had any children of his own, he was honored to be chosen to serve as Godfather to many. John’s circle of friends was constantly growing, as he made them wherever he went, but his inner circle consisted of so many special people who were extended family. They participated in shenanigans occasionally, endured his stubbornness frequently, repeated his “Johnny-isms” often, and brought him great joy always.

John’s passing leaves a huge void in our hearts and lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

John will be welcomed into heaven by his grandparents Vera and Boris Bandoff, Helen and Maryon Kwiatkowski, parents, John and Annie, Aunt Midge Bandoff, Uncle Bob and Aunt Marion Bauer, mother-in-law, Alice Sussman and many very dear friends.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the scores of health care professionals in the Emergency Department at St. Peter’s Hospital as well as the dedicated and compassionate medical team in the CVICU who provided exceptional kindness to us during this difficult time and who performed an extraordinarily intricate ballet of interventions trying to give us more time with John.

John was an extremely principled man with a strong moral compass. He was consistently true to himself and what he believed in. He lived his life making what he called “deposits in the universe” and often said that “smiles are contagious.” Please honor him by smiling more and being a positive force in the world.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John’s family on Thursday from 3 to 6 pm at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave, Colonie.  A service in Celebration of John’s Life will be offered at 6:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers and to commemorate John’s love for children, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Road. Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 would be appreciated.