Henry Joseph Kanowicz was born in Shamokin, PA on January 13, 1928 to John Kananowicz and Johanna Jurasz. He grew up in the coal mining regions of PA. He finished his public school education at Coal Township High School in PA in 1945. He served in the US Navy from December 1945 to October 1946 with an honorable discharge.

He married Agnes Rita Laskoski on June 11, 1949.

He graduated in 1951 from Mount St. Mary's College with a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and then received a Master's of Science Degree by Bucknell University in 1953. After graduation he began his career in education as a math and physics teacher at Mt. Airy High School in MD from 1951-1954 making a mere $2,400 per year. Then he became the Principal at Elmer A. Wolfe School from 1954-1959 at the age of 26. Thereafter he became the Principal at Francis Scott Key High School from 1959-1964. In 1964 St. Mary's County Public School Systems was rapidly expanding. There was a specific need for someone to run its fiscal affairs. Mr. Kanowicz received the appointment as Director of Business Administration. He retained this position from 1964 - 1979 when he was appointed Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Services from 1979 - 1980 making only $37K per year. In 1981, he was given the title of Director of Business Operations. It was from this position that Mr. Kanowicz retired from the Board of Education and then moved on to Long and Foster as a part-time real-estate agent.

Henry's favorite past times were watching Univ. of Maryland sports and enjoying family gatherings.

Henry was a loving husband to Agnes for 56 years until her death on August 1, 2005. Henry was the most compassionate, loving, generous and unprejudiced husband, father and grandfather that anyone could ever ask for. We were truly blessed.

Henry is survived by his four children, Mark (Jane) Kanowicz, Sandra (Alvin) Hancock, Glenn (Robin) Kanowicz, and Martha (Devon) Treasure; eight grandchildren, Jessica, Brian, Jenna, Heather, Kevin, Rachel, Lauren, and Mitchell; seven great-grandchildren, Carmen, Caleb, Makayla, Eli, Ethan, Avery and Olivia; and one sister, Sophia Yasalonis of New Cumberland, PA.

Organizational Memberships, Honors and Awards
Organized CCTA Federal Credit Union - 1952, Treasurer, CCTA Federal Credit Union -1952-1957, President, CCTA Federal Credit Union - 1957-1964. State Chairman, Maryland State Education Association (MSTA) Credit Union Committee - 1953. MSTA Leadership Training Institute - Staff, 1954-1956. Maryland Future Farmers of America, State Farmers Degree, 1960. Who's Who in the East, 1960 - 1970. Outstanding Educators in America, 1973. Kappa Phi Kappa - Honorary Educational Society. Monsignor Tierney Honor Society - Academic. Phi Delta Kappa - Graduate Educational Society. Life Member of National Educational Association (NEA). Association of School Business Officials of MD and DC - Liaison 16 years, Finance Section Director 1973, Treasurer 1978-1979, Director 1980. The School Superintendents' Association (AASA) 1964-1980. Lions' Club - President, 1961 and 1976 - 26 year perfect attendance, Zone Chairman, 1978. Knights of Columbus - Deputy Grand Knight - 1960. Elk - Organizing Committee and Treasurer - 1961. Maryland Negotiating Service, 1968-1978. Division of Food and Nutrition Service of US Dept. of Agriculture, School Food Service Financial Management Handbook - Pilot System - 1972. United States Office of Education, National Conference "Public Confidence and the Schools" -1979. Breton Bay - Cherry Cove Civic Association, President - 1980. Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland - 1980. US Dept. of Agriculture, National Advisory Council on Child Nutrition, Nominated - 1980. Educational Systems Employees Board of Directors. United Teachers Profession. Honorable service in the US Armed Forces for outstanding service and loyalty to the United States of America.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, Leonardtown, MD. Interment will follow in Queen of Peace Cemetery, Helen, MD.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Kanowicz, Glenn Kanowicz, Alvin Hancock, Brian Hancock, Kevin Hancock, Mitchell Kanowicz and Devon Treasure. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Henry's grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, c/o St. Mary's County Department of Aging, P.O. Box 655, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.