Alexander Chowanec October 6, 1936 – May 22, 2019 To think I did all that And may I say – not in a shy way Oh no, oh no, not me I did it my way Frank Sinatra Husband, Father, Grandfather, Devoted Friend, Family Man, Mentor, Community Builder, Political Player, Survivor, Supporter, Crabber, Fisherman, Singer, Drummer, Artist, Poet, Cartoonist… and the character list goes on and on… All who knew, or know of, Alexander Chowanec (AKA Captain Al) would say he was, and always will be, a loved and beloved mainstay of the extended Chowanec Family, Jersey City and Hudson County. Alexander Chowanec (Al), best known to close family and friends as Captain Al and to his grandchildren as Didi, was born as one of twelve children to John Chowanec and Mary Karlak in Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey on October 6, 1936. Al was blessed by wedding his beautiful wife Olga Lazorczyk on January 28, 1967.
Al and Olga have 3 daughters; Alexa, Sandy and Mary and six grandchildren; Katya, Kyra, Natalie, Ryan, Brendan and Alex. Al, born to two immigrants, was a staunch patriot of the United States and served in the US Army Reserve for nine years and in the National Guard. Al has been a life-long resident of Jersey City and had devoted much of his life to enriching the city.
He was an entrepreneur at a young age and held his very first paying job at the age of twelve working at Hymie Strauss’ local grocery store followed by further employment at George’s grocery store and Beaus Bras. In his late teens, Al decided he would never work for anyone again and sought to own his own business. Al founded Al’s Shell Gasoline Station and Automotive Repair on the corner of Bright and Grand Streets in downtown Jersey City.
From the get-go, as a local business owner, Al became involved in local politics. Under the encouragement and guidance of then Deputy Mayor Joseph Sesta, he formed the Al Chowanec Democratic Association and led Ward E of Jersey City. This association had over 100 members and a Ladies Auxiliary.
The association was instrumental in helping residents in an area of Jersey City named Gammontown. Today, this area is referred to as the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City, often criticized by Al as being completely incorrect in deference to the original Gammontown title. The Al Chowanec Democratic Association sponsored countless events in the community which defined one of the strongest communities in Jersey City in that Era.
In addition, Al personally sponsored two Little League Teams; Our Lady of Czestochowa team and the Al Chowanec team. He has hosted numerous community fundraisers, annual turkey dinners at Victory Hall and annual toy drives for underprivileged youths in Jersey City. There are few close family members and friends who know that, during Al’s early thirties, he suffered a kidney disease leading to the loss of one of his kidneys.
During his pre-admission testing in the hospital it came to his knowledge that the hospital was without an important piece of equipment used in diagnosis and treatment of the kidneys. So, appreciative of the care that he received while staying at St. Francis Hospital, on April 12, 1973, this hometown boy, Al Chowanec, donated this piece of critical care equipment and St. Francis Hospital became one of only a handful of hospitals around the country possessing its capability. Despite Al’s patriotic, political and community outreach recognition, Captain Al is most recognized by hundreds, maybe even thousands, of the patrons of the Harbor Casino previously located at 171 Warren Street next to the home where Al was born and raised.
While many others left Jersey City during the downtown revitalization process, Al (and Olga) chose to stick around and support its transition into the great city it is today. No one will ever truly know how many people visited the Harbor Casino in the 35 years Al and Olga owned and operated it, but all patrons remember Harbor Casino as a very special place with very special people. It was hard to differentiate Harbor Casino’s impact on the community as it became host to political big-wigs, celebrities, tradesmen and neighborhood family and friends.
The Harbor Casino was a valuable piece of the fabric that made Jersey City the unique place that it is today. Jersey City and Hudson County, along with its residents, past, present and future, maintains a palpable consciousness of Alexander Chowanec and he is truly missed by all of us. All who met Al, even if only briefly, can truly say that Jersey City would not be the place it is today if not for Captain Al!
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Alexander Chowanec please visit our Sympathy Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
