John F. Bowler, 86, of Spencer, formerly of Worcester, died Wednesday, August 9th in St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Isabelle C. (Casey) Bowler; his two daughters, Kathleen M. O'Leary and her husband Paul of Spencer, and Maureen R. Sjosten and her husband Brad of Worcester; his two sons, John J. Bowler and his wife Julie, and Peter C. Bowler and his wife Carrie all of Spencer; his sister, Margaret Sorenson of Sturbridge; fourteen grandchildren, Sean and Daniel O'Leary, Katelyn Greenwood, Meghan Meservey, Ryan and Casey Gates, Molly Strub, Kristen Gates, Michael, James, and Liam Bowler, and Catherine, John Peter and Brian Bowler. Additionally, his thirteen great-grandchildren, Owen, Nora, Julia, Rory, Brennan, Isla, Connor, Oliver, Emmett, Gianna, Emerson, Sophie, and Malia as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Helen Zalauskas, and great-granddaughter Harlow-Marie.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Edmond and Helen (McCarthy) Bowler, and had lived in Worcester for over 60 years before moving to Spencer. John worked in the Leicester and Worcester Public Schools, first as an English Teacher, but most of his career as a school Guidance Counselor. Leicester Middle School, Harrington Way Junior High, Worcester East Middle School, Burncoat Middle School, and Doherty Memorial High School were his stops along the way. Additionally, he owned and operated Bowler Landscaping Company for twenty years, and proudly served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for eight years. John was a devoted member of Christ the King Parish, Massachusetts Citizens For Life, First Friday Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Other memberships included the Greendale Retired Men's Club, the Stiles Lake Association, and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Family was the most important thing in John's life, his greatest joy was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
His funeral will be Monday, August 14th from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, Worcester, with his funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Sunday, August 13th from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Visitation House, 119 Endicott Street, Worcester, MA 01610 or to St. John's Food for the Poor, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604.