Joseph W. Brower

SARATOGA SPRINGS Joseph W. Brower, 74, of Loughberry Mobile Home Park, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2008, at Saratoga Hospital. Born in Ballston Spa, May 13, 1934, he was the son of the late William and Agnes Brower. Joe served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a tech sergeant, in 1971. He then worked in the food service industry. He established the catering service at the former Rafters Restaurant on Saratoga Lake and managed one of the food service departments at Skidmore College and the Edison Club. He later worked for Saratoga Springs Water Department and Saratoga Springs Schools. In his younger years, Joe was a pilot and enjoyed flying, riding his motorcycle and boating. His favorite hobby has always been cooking. After his retirement, he was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beatrice LaPier Brower; three children: Kevin Brower and his wife, Kathy, of Saratoga Springs, Kelly Brower and his wife, Susan, of Ithaca and Kathleen Mecier and her husband, Bruce, of Saratoga Springs; six grandchildren: Stephen Currier Jr., Tina Currier, Eric Currier, Christopher Brower, Luke Brower and Spencer Brower; four great-grandchildren: Cierra Currier, Joshua Grimley Jr., Stephen Currier III and Chloe Currier; brother, Gary Brower of Stafford, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service with full military honors will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 12 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High St., Ballston Spa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.