C. Bowers, Robert

Robert C. Bowers of 61 South Street, Trumansburg passed away at home following a lengthy illness on Friday, November 5, 2004 at the age of 87.

Born on January 15, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan, Bob was the son of Joseph and Martha Meiers Bowers. He was a member of the first Fife & Drum Corps Band at St. Joseph's High School in Batavia, NY during his senior year in 1934.

During the late 1930's he worked at Curtis Wright Aircraft in Buffalo. In the early part of WW II, Bob served as a civilian instructor for the Pilot Training Program at the University of Buffalo.

On March 6, 1943 Bob married his sweetheart, Patricia M. Kinney in Kenmore, NY. The newlyweds moved to Trumansburg in 1945. Within a few years they built a home on South Street with an open door which allowed countless neighborhood children, friends and family to enter and share the warmth and laughter over the years. Bob's quick wit, playful smile and caring manner will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob formed a partnership with Pat's step-father Charles Steenberg in the operation of the General Fuel & Supply Company in 1945. Bob changed the name to Bowers Fuel Co. in 1967 and successfully operated the business until his retirement in 1980.

Even though life was hectic with a business and family, Bob managed to contribute a great deal to his community as an usher and active member of St. James The Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Trumansburg, a Past-President of the Trumansburg Rotary Club, a member of BPOE Lodge #636 in Ithaca, the Trumansburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Ithaca College Booster Club. In keeping with his generous nature, Bob also sponsored a bowling team for many years.

In his leisure time, Bob could often be found tending his magnificent gardens or chasing a Titelist around the fairways at the Trumansburg Golf Course where he and Pat held a membership since the course opened.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Louis, Arthur and Howard and one sister-in-law Sophia. Bob is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia of Trumansburg; two daughters, Sandra Reed of San Pedro, CA and Kathleen Riddle of Trumansburg; two sons, Robert (Cheryl) of Trumansburg and Joseph (Julie) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Bowers of Fairport and Jane Bowers of Baltimore, MD and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. James Church on Tuesday, November 9, 2004 at 12:00 pm with the Rev. Eugene O'Hara, OFM Cap. as celebrant. Prayers of Committal will follow at St. James Cemetery. The family invites all of their friends to join them for a reception at the Trumansburg American Legion Post #770 immediately following the Prayers of Committal.

In keeping with Bob's wishes, no public calling hours have been scheduled.

Contributions in Bob's memory may be directed to St. James Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 709, Trumansburg, NY 14886, Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or the Trumansburg Ambulance Fund, P.O. Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. 1-888-534-5446.

Page submitted by: Joseph L. Sibley, Director