Robert E. Bowser

Robert Eugene "Bob" Bowser, 86, of Harwick, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, at home, with his loving family by his side. Born May 17, 1937, to the late Paul E. and Anna Ruth (Palmer) Bowser, he was a lifelong resident of the community. A 1955 graduate of Springdale High School, Bob was a star pitcher for both the high school and American Legion baseball teams. His prowess on the mound earned him a training tryout with the Cincinnati Reds in Douglas, Ga. However, injuries to his knee and shoulder cut Bob's baseball career short, and he returned to Springdale where, in 1959, he married fellow classmate Mary Lou (Haggerty) Bowser. Together, they raised three children. Bob spent his career in the food wholesale and retail business. At the time of his retirement, Bob was a managing partner of the former IGA/Foodland supermarket in Mars. Bob was an active member of Springdale United Methodist Church. In addition to being a devoted usher, he served on numerous church committees over the years. You could also find Bob in the church basement every Easter and Christmas season, making candy. Bob's greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, especially onboard a cruise ship or relaxing on the beaches of Ocean City, Md., and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He enjoyed playing golf and cheering for his favorite sports teams (the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates) in his own unique way. A decades-long season ticket holder for both the Steelers and Penguins, Bob was fortunate enough to attend five of the Steelers' eight Super Bowl appearances. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Mary Lou (Haggerty) Bowser; his children, Carol (Bowser) Gras and her husband, Raymond Matsey, of Wilkins Township, Robert J. Bowser, of Mentor, Ohio, and Beth A. Bowser, of Wilkins Township; two nieces, Pamela (Bowser) Ranallo and Barbara Haggerty; three stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, all of whom were loved dearly. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Alice Bowser. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, in THE CHARLES B. JARVIE SPRINGDALE FUNERAL HOME INC., 801 Pittsburgh St., Springdale, PA 15144, where services will commence at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 26, with interment to follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, 104 Melwood Road, Lower Burrell, PA 15068. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springdale United Methodist Church, 739 Pittsburgh St., Springdale, PA 15144. www.jarviefuneralhome.com.

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