Robert Joseph Bowler

Robert Joseph Bowler passed away on May 29, 2023 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born April 8, 1942 in Meadville, PA to Robert Harold Bowler and Julia Duda Bowler.

Bob was baptized at St. Hippolyte Church in Frenchtown and attended St. Agatha School, Cathedral Prep, St. Bonaventure Seminary, Gannon University, and Edinboro University.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s degree in education specializing in math and physics.  He passed his love of math onto his daughter Laurie.

Throughout his life, Bob worked at various times in the family trade as a jeweler alongside his father and his brother, Dave.  His first profession was teaching math at the former Randolph High School where he met his fellow teacher and future wife, Laura Sheckler.  He continued teaching math at the Crawford County Vo-Tech Center.  Bob was always glad to run into former students from his two decades of teaching, and to learn what they were up to.

Bob eventually turned his attention to a career as a full-time building contractor.  Through a mix of remodeling and new construction, Bob created wonderful living spaces for dozens of families throughout Crawford County.  He took pride in his designs and in the ingenuity he applied to working solo or with a small crew.  Bob was a chatty and friendly fixture in most locations where building materials are sold.  He passed many lessons of the building trade on to his son, Bobby, and to many others over the years.

Bob loved the Lord and shared his talents as a church organist, on a full-time basis as well as in a frequent substitute role throughout the area for nearly 60 years.  He saw both the Roman Catholic liturgy and the music that supports it as divine gifts to be shared.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed by many.  Those who survive him and appreciate his love of family include his wife of 53 years, Laura Bowler; his four children: Laurie Garrow and her husband Mike of Atlanta, GA, Mary Shapero and her husband Dan of Palo Alto, CA, Carol Niblock and her husband James of Cochranton, PA, and Robert Thomas Bowler and his partner Carrie Kerr of Apollo Beach, FL; six grandchildren: Benjamin, Peter, Ethan, Logan, Avery, and Madeleine; his brother David Bowler and his wife Debbie of Guys Mills.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by an infant brother and infant sister.

Calling hours will be held at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, from 5-7 PM on Thursday, June 1, 2023, where a Scripture Service will be held at 6:30 PM.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 AM on Friday, at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, St. Agatha Church, 353 Pine St., Meadville, with Fr. Joe Petrone, Parochial Vicar, officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Hippolyte Cemetery in Frenchtown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, 353 Pine St., Meadville, PA 16335, for the Pipe Organ Fund at St. Agatha Church.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com