Joseph 'Joe' Kowalski, 51

Joseph Michael “Joe” Kowalski, 51, passed away on Thursday, January 14, at the Reston Hospital Center.

Joe was born and raised in northern Virginia and graduated from South Lakes High School in Reston. A lifelong bachelor, he moved around the country, living in cities such as Minneapolis, MN, Prescott, AZ, and Long Island, NY, before returning to his home town of Herndon.

Over the years he became known as a computer “whiz.” He brought his technology skills to Bob Ross Inc., where he played a key role in developing an unparalleled Internet presence for the famous TV artist.

Joe’s greatest talent and accomplishments were in his music. Through the influence of the Beatles and his eldest brother John, he became fluent on guitar at an early age. He taught himself to play a variety of other instruments, and became a talented songwriter. He also mastered the art of audio recording, using his expertise to self-produce an extensive catalog of original compositions and covers of songs by his favorite artists, notably the Beatles and Syd Barrett.

Joe was happiest when he was composing music, but he also had a passion for football, baseball, and eating crabs. His greatest loves were the Washington Nats, the Dallas Cowboys, and his poodle “Cricket.”

Joe was born on March 13, 1964. He is survived by his parents Walter and Annette Kowalski, his sisters Joyce and Joan, and his brother Gerald (Jerry). He was preceded in death by his brother Walter John Jr. (John).

Family will receive guests, Monday, January 18, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m.at Adams-Green Funeral Home, Herndon, VA. Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Reston, VA with burial to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park.