Obituary of Raymond J. Bowers

Raymond J. Bowers passed away peacefully in his home October 7, 2015 surrounded by his four children. Ray was born in Rome, NY on April 15th 1927, the son of Frederick J. and Kathleen C. Kelley Bowers. He was afflicted with polio at 4 months of age and spent the first 10 years of his young life in and out of the hospitals, going between surgeries and rehab. He refused to be limited by the effects of polio overcoming any obstacles he faced with his positive "can do" attitude. He inspired and encouraged his family, friends and those he encountered that nothing is impossible to achieve with determination and hard work. Ray was a graduate of the RFA class of 1946 and continued his education in Accounting at Utica School of Commerce and Utica College. In 1951 he formed RJ Bowers Accounting and Tax Service and continued to serve his clients until 2005. On November 12, 1960 ("the best day of his life") he was united in marriage to Patricia A. Parsons at St. Mary's Church Rome, NY. They enjoyed a union of love and friendship together for over 50 years until Pat's passing on April 2, 2011. ("the worst day of his life"). In addition to running his accounting business, Ray was employed for many years as an accountant. He started his career at Waterbury Felt Mills, later Rome Turney Radiator and for the City of Rome, where he worked 22 years retiring as Assistant City Treasurer in 1991. Time for his family and friends was a top priority for Ray; whether it was attending his children's sporting events so he could boisterously editorialize on the referee's calls, weekend boating trips to the St. Lawrence and "Kilbourne Family" parties with the Wogan's and Scime's. Providing memorable annual family vacations was a mission to Ray; he was the original "Clark Griswold" chauffeuring us around the country in the brown "Family Truckster Station Wagon". Ray loved to tell jokes and would keep lists of his comedic weapons for when his sister Rosemary called; their battles of wit and "one-upsmanship" were legendary. Ray was an avid swimmer and hit the pool 3 to 5 times a week for 80 years stopping just 3 months ago. He enjoyed playing Pitch with his card cronies at the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. Ray loved politics and was elected as Councilman and 4th Ward Alderman of Rome from 1958 to 1961. He served as Rome City Republican Chair and as a member, as well as Treasurer, of the Oneida County Republican Executive Committee. Ray also served as Justice of the Peace for the Town of Floyd handling many duties, the highlight of which was performing marriage ceremonies. Many that occurred in his home. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and later St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he and his wife served as Mass greeters for many years. Ray was active in many community organizations and served on the boards of the Rome Family YMCA, Rome Chapter American Red Cross, The Ava Dorfman Senior Center and National Association of Accountants. He was a member and past Grand Knight of Rome Council 391Knights of Columbus, a Life Member of Rome Lodge # 96 Elks, and the Volunteer Fireman's Benevolent Association. He was also a performing member of the SPEBSQSH Barbershop Acappella Chorus. Ray has been recognized and awarded for his community involvement and service over the years, most recently receiving the YMCA's Don Connelly Determination Award in April of 2015. Ray leaves behind his children, Elizabeth (Beth) Bowers and husband Gregory S. Karl, Brenda Bowers with Richard Rabkin, Thomas Bowers and wife Kristen, and Kathryn (Kiki) Roy and husband Dennis. His beloved grandchildren Samantha Copeland and fiancée, Veldin Miskic, Stephanie Copeland, Meghan and Katie Bowers, Cooper and Xiao Bai Roy, and his buddy "granddog" Abby. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 11, 2015 from 2 to 5 pm at Barry's Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut St. Rome, NY. Mr. Bowers' funeral will be held Monday, October 12, 2015 at 10:30 am also at Barry's Funeral Home. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff from Hospice for the care and compassion they provided to Ray during his illness. Beth, Tom and Kiki would also like to acknowledge our love and gratitude to our sister Brenda who put her life on hold, by moving back home to live with and care for Dad over the last year; words can never adequately express our appreciation for all you did. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or the Rome Family Y, 301 W. Bloomfield Street, Rome, NY 13440