Walter E. Bowman III passed away on May 5, 2021 at The Oaks in New Bedford following a long illness. He was the loving husband of Rosemary (Zajac) Bowman. Walt and Rose were married in 1973 and have lived in Mattapoisett since that time.
Walter was the son of the late Walter E. Bowman, Jr. and Martha (Foster) Bowman. He was born in Taunton and lived in that community with his family throughout his youth. The Bowman family spent every summer at their home on Aucoot Road in Mattapoisett. Walt’s love of sailing and being near the ocean were focal points of his formative years. He and his family moved permanently to Mattapoisett when Walt was a young adult. Walt’s love of Aucoot Cove and the caring relationships of the Aucoot community were gifts that he treasured throughout his lifetime.
Walt’s professional life was spent as a Mortgage Officer at Fairhaven Savings Bank. He spent thirty-four years in that position. The people with whom he worked were extraordinary individuals and were his life-long friends.
Throughout his life Walt’s passion for cooking never wavered. His creativity was evident in each special meal that he prepared for his family. Walt’s extensive collection of cookbooks reflects his ongoing quest to learn new techniques to enhance his culinary skills.
Walter is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his children Amy Miller, Andrea Clark and Michael Bowman; his grandchildren Julianna, Tessa and Michael. He was predeceased by his grandson Peter. He is also survived by his beloved sister Ann Scholl and her husband Stan; his cousin and best friend Philip Simpson; extended family members Henry and Kathleen Zajac, Mort and Barbara Zajac, Peter and Judith Zajac, Janet Shartle and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Leonard Shartle and Michael and Ann Zajac.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 15, at 10:00 am at St. Anthony’s Church in Mattapoisett. The celebrant of the Mass will be Father Jordan Zajac, son of Peter and Judith Zajac. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Bedford. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.