Thomas C. Bowes
Thomas C. Bowes, 77, of Valleybrook Drive, Bradford, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at UPMC Hamot.
Born May 9, 1944, in Altoona, he was the only son of the late William B. and Mollie B. (Buvinger) Bowes.
On April 3, 1971, in St. Bernard Church, he married Jane A. (McGrath) Bowes who survives.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. He attended York College and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Edinboro University in 1967. He later received his Master’s Degree in 1975 from Clarion University.
Tom moved to Bradford in 1967 and began as an elementary teacher at Custer City School. In 1980 he began teaching at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School. He served as Assistant Principal from 1994 through 1995. In 1996 he became the Principal, where he remained until he retired in 2002. He was a member of PSEA, NEA and PASR.
He was a member and ordained Elder of First Presbyterian Church. He was assistant treasurer, chaired the Property Committee, a member of the Personnel Committee and Investment Committee.
Tom joined the Bradford Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM in 1977. He served as Past Master, was a 32 Degree member of the Coudersport Consistory, and a member of the Orak Gratto.
Tom was a founding member of the Big 30 All-Star Charity Classic, and he served as Treasurer for 35 years.
He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and fulfilled the positions of President and Secretary. He was also a LT. Governor of Kiwanis Club District 1 and 2.
Tom was a lifetime member of the NRA, McKean County Rifle Club, and he was an avid supporter of the Buffalo Bills.
He was a member of the City of Bradford’s governing board as Chairman of the Zoning board.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 51 years, two sons, Aaron Robert (Jennifer Kirsten Bullock) Bowes of Silver Springs, MD, and Steven William Bowes of Washington, PA, two grandchildren- Alistair Thomas Bowes and Alexandra Morgan Bowes, an uncle John Bowes of Lock Haven, and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family will receive friends on Friday April 29, 2022, from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., and again on Saturday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the First Presbyterian Church. At 10:30 am funeral services will be held with Catherine Randall, Co-Pastor, officiating. Committal services and entombment will follow in St. Bernard Mausoleum.
Members of Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM will conduct a masonic service at 7:00 pm Friday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 54 E. Corydon St. Bradford, PA 16701 or the Big 30 All-Star Charites Classic P.O. Box 82, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
All Condolences -
Dear Aaron and Family, on behalf of myself and your friends at Parsons, please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
— Howard Shotz
Mr. Bowes was my teacher in 6th grade at Custer City. He got our entire class engaged in playing chess. Mr. Bowes checked in as we continued on with our education through graduation. always saw Mr. Bowes at sporting events offering encouragement. Teacher do impact the lives of their students and he was a good one. He will be missed.
— steve hvizdzak
Jane and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We''ll keep you in our prayers. Unfortunately, Sally and I are out of town, and we won''t be able to express our condolences in person.
— Bob & Sally Ferguson
Jane, we are truly sorry to learn of Tom''s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. It was an honor getting to know him when you both were helping me out with my own father’s passing. I will be forever grateful to the both of you. May Tom rest in peace.
— Tony Clark
Jane and Family,
Our sincerest condolences to your family.
Tom was a gentle giant as a teacher, administrator,local Kiwanian, and Region 1 Lieutenant Governor and Trustee.
Tom was a mentor to me as I moved up the ranks in the Kiwanis family. He always reminded me of the importance of the children in the Bradford community. Tom truly lived the Kiwanis motto of "Improving the world, one child and one community at a time." Bradford is a better community because Tom gave Bradford the best of himself through his family, involvement in teaching, sports, church, and community service.
Thank you for leaving your mark on Bradford.
— Randy and Kathy Durner
Jane and family, our sincere condolences. Tom was such a great and caring man. Prayers for you all at this difficult time.
— Kevin & Gail Moyer
Our sincere condolences to Jane and family. He was such a giving man and friend to all. Prayers from us and we mourn his passing
— Steve and Kathy simon
Jane & FamilySo truly sorry to learn of Tom''s passing. Such a great man to Family, community & friends. It''s an honor to be able to call him a friend. RIP Tom.
— Carl Milks
Our sincere condolences to Jane and family. He was such a giving man and friend to all. Prayers from us and we mourn his passing
— Steve and Kathy simon
Jane and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom''s passing. He was definitely one of my favorite people. He made an impact on everyone he met. Sending prayers of comfort and peace
— Mickey Swackhamer
Jane please accept our deepest sympathies. Tom will be greatly missed by the Bradford community. Such a servants heart. But above and beyond all of that he so truly loved his family. You could see the love for you all whenever he spoke of you. Holding you all close in prayer .
— Lynne and Doug Kuntz
Jane and Family I am so sorry for your loss, he will be missed by all. He was truly a gentleman.
— Michael Luciano
Jane & Family,
I''m so sorry. Tom was such a kind and thoughtful man who did so much for the community. He truly left his mark on Bradford. I enjoyed every conversation I ever had with him. He''ll be missed.
— Anne Holliday
Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Tom was a great guy and friend. He will be missed... RIP Bowesy
Pick and Anthony
— Pick Zimbardi
Jane and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Tom was one of those special people who just makes a community work.
— Kimberly Weinberg
Dear Jane and family,
Pam and I and our family are so sorry for your loss. Tom was such a kind and wonderful man and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered in the community. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Mark Morrison
Jane I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I always enjoyed talking to Tom when I would see you both at BRMC. God bless you and your family and give you peace
— Ginny Crouse
Jane and family so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom.He will be missed by many you all are in my thoughts and Prayers God Bless you all..
— Jean Perry
Mrs. Bowes and family. Our deepest condolences to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
— Michael Schwab and Family
Tom was a dedicated Kiwanian and compassionate leader. He was always seeking a solution that would bridge any challenge. He will be missed. Deepest sympathy to the Bowes family
— Kevin Thomas
Dear Jane & Family,
We were so sad to read of Tom''s passing, in the Era.
We always enjoyed his involvement, when it came time to "make something special for Jane". He was
a special customer and a wonderful asset for the community of Bradford.
Jane, we have you in our prayers.
— Grant/CarolOrris
Jane & family I am sorry to hear of Tom"s passing. I enjoyed having him as a teacher all those years ago.
— Penny Mackey
I was so incredibly sad to hear the news of Tom'' passing. He has been such a great friend and so supportive. He always had words of wisdom and inspired me to keep moving forward. He kept we Kiwanian in line and never missed a beat!!
He will surely be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to you Jane and your beautiful family that he held very dear to his heart.
— Lori Birtcil Johnson
I remember when Mr. Bowes was a Principal @ G.G.B school back in the 80''s. Mr. Bowes always said hello & always had a warm smile for me everyday. You will be missed, Mr. Bowes. To the Bowes family, my thoughts, prayers are with you all????????
Sincerely, Liz Edgar & Family
— Liz Edgar
Bowes Family,
My deepest sympathies go out to all of you. Tom was a dedicated Kiwanian and a passion for service. I''m honored to have a chance to work with him.
— Shawn "Spike" Smith
Jane and family,. I am sorry to hear of Tom''s passing. He was a wonderful guy and cared about so many. I know he helped our family in many ways. Please keep the loving funny memories close so he is always with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
— Barbara D Burgess
I am sorry to hear of your loss.
— Stoney Greenberg
My condolences to his family Ienjoyed working with Tom on children’s issue through Kiwanis. His care for children and their needs was exemplary.
— Randy Gorske
Mrs. Bowes (Jane) I am deeply saddened to hear of Tom''s passing. He was a wonderful teacher, principal and biggest of all wonderful man. He will be missed and I send my deepest heartfelt condolences. May you find peace through our Lord and Savior in this difficult time. Much love to you and your family!!!
— Matt Dougherty
Jane and family: I have great memories of Tom first as my college roommate in Edinboro and later as a teacher for my children and as a fellow member of the Kiwanis Club in Bradford. Let''s celebrate his life as we mourn his passing. It was a great life.
— Paul Reichart