Robert D. "Bob" Bowers

Robert “Bob” D. Bowers of Gilbert, AZ passed away on April 5th surrounded by his family. Bob was born in 1947 and grew up on Cornell Street in Roslindale, MA with his older brother, the late Albert K Bowers Jr. and his parents, Albert K. Sr. and Mary F. Bowers (both deceased). In his early life he was a proud member of the Boston Crusaders Drum Corp as well as the National Guard. Bob spent most of his adult life literally chasing fires and was well known as a Fire Buff. Being a fire buff meant he loved firefighting and everything to do with the fire service. He would constantly monitor his radio and head out to a fire, even in the middle of the night. He was a long-time member and past president of the Boston Sparks Association and volunteered on a Canteen Truck, where he would provide firefighters with food and drinks during long fires.  After retiring, he served as a volunteer and treasurer at the Hall of Flame in Phoenix, AZ and as a regional vice president of the International Fire Buff Associates (IFBA).

Bob was a product marketing manager for numerous electronic companies including Cramer Electronics, where he met his wife of 51 years, Patricia J Bowers (Baker). They settled in Needham, MA where they were active in the Exchange Club and NHS Boosters Club. Bob was known for driving his 1954 Mack fire truck in the Needham July 4th parade and later walking the parade route selling flags for the Exchange Club. Amongst his friends and family, he was famous for his large 4th of July pool parties. After retiring from Avnet Bob left the electronics business and moved to Gilbert, AZ with his wife. There he was very active in his neighborhood community, Trilogy.  At Trilogy Bob worked on the local newsletter and was well known as the resident Photographer. Bob will be remembered by the many that knew him for his willingness to help others, his love of photography and his commitment to family.

Bob was beloved by his large, extended family including his 10 nieces and nephews and his cousins in New York.  He was “Papi” to his 8 grandchildren: Jesse, Gavin, & Anya McDonald of Norwood, MA, Cian, Tiernan, Riordan, and Lorcan Smith of Gilbert, AZ and Avery Bowers of Gilbert, AZ. He leaves behind his 3 children, Teri McDonald and husband, Brian of Norwood, MA, Tina Bowers Smith of Gilbert, AZ and son, Brian Bowers and his partner, Brooke McPhee of Gilbert, AZ. His loving wife, Patricia J. Bowers (Baker) remains in Gilbert, AZ as well. His children will remember the Boston Red Sox games they went to with him as season ticket holders, vacations to Storyland, Lake George, and numerous trips driving 24 hours straight to Disneyworld in Florida. He will also be remembered for his knack of knowing people no matter how far from home they traveled. His entire family will cherish their last family vacation to Walt Disney World, where they celebrated Nana and Papi’s 50th Anniversary in the same location where they had honeymooned.

Visiting hours will be held in the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Wednesday, May 17th from 4-7pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday, May 18th at 11 AM followed by interment with Military Honors at Needham Cemetery.

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