OBIT: Robert E. Bower (West Kittanning)
Robert E. Bower, 93 of West Kittanning, died Monday, August 24, 2015 at ACMH Hospital.
He was born May 31, 1922 in Ford City to John and Mary (Braun) Bower.
Robert worked 30-plus years at PPG, later at Allegheny Ludlum and then retired as an accountant at Rupp’s Gas and Oil.
He was a World War II U.S. Navy Veteran, serving in the South Pacific.
His church - St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic in Kittanning (where he was a longtime member) - was very important to him.
Known for his enthusiasm for basketball, Bob played for the Ford City Glassers High School basketball team until his graduation in 1940. He continued to play basketball throughout his life as a member of the Kittanning YMCA until he was 88 years old, as well as at the Whelan Park Playground Basketball Association (PBA) annual outing where he was the longtime foul shooting champion.
Bob also was a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks #203 in Kittanning, and enjoyed doing the New York Times crossword puzzles.
Family and Basketball were his life.
Robert is survived by two sons: Robert T. Bower of West Kittanning and Edwin C. Bower (Susan) of Applewold; daughter, Mary Jo Lynch of Lancaster, Ohio; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two greatgreatgrandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 59 years, Mary Bower (on July 4, 2007); four sisters: Dorothy Burns, Mary Harrison, Virginia Bower and Lucille Weeks; four brothers: Albert, Frank, Charles and John Bower; and son-in-law, Howard Lynch.
Friends will be received from 7-9PM tomorrow - Thursday, August 27, 2015 - at the Kennedy and Blodgett Funeral Home in Kittanning.
Parting prayers will be at 9:30AM Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the funeral home, followed by the funeral mass at 10AM at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in Kittanning.
The Rev. Douglas E. Dorula will be officiating in St. Joseph Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Music Ministry.
To send an online condolence, visit www.snydercrissman.com
Obituaries | funerals August 26, 2015
