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Robert Bowhers Obituary
Greece: Robert T. (Bob) Bowhers, 51, of Weston and Sturbridge, MA and Rochester, NY, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 15, 2011, in Denver, Colorado.
Born Nov. 16, 1959 in Buffalo, N.Y. to Vincent C. and Helen M. Bowhers, Bob grew up in Weston, Mass. He was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth, and his parents.
In High School, Bob excelled as a track and field athlete and was a stand-out performer in the high hurdles, setting numerous records. He was the Massachusetts State Decathlon champion in 1978 and went on to compete at the collegiate level for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he graduated with a degree in Business/Marketing.
Following in the footsteps of his father and eldest brother, Jim, Bob worked in the insurance industry throughout his adult years.
Married 27 years to the former Melissa S. Vitello, Bob spent the last eleven years in Rochester, N.Y. He is remembered as a dedicated and loving family man admired by many whom he met. Bob was a friendly and charismatic individual, remembered by many as an exceptional host in any social or business event.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Melissa, daughters Kristen Liggett and her husband, Alex; Katy and her fianc?, Mike Weaver; and Michelle. He is also survived by brothers Jim (Joan) Bowhers, Bill (Barbara) Bowhers and Vince Bowhers, in-laws John and Shirley Vitello, Jonathan (Susan) Vitello, Mark (Margo) Vitello, Christopher (LuAnn) Vitello, 17 nieces and nephews, and a host of loving family, friends and colleagues.
Friends may call Friday 2-4 & 6-8 at the funeral home, 777 Long Pond Road (between English and Latta). Memorial Mass 9:30 Saturday at St Marks Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Weston (Mass) Boosters (www.westonboosters.org), the Weston (Mass) Veterans Memorial Education Fund (c/o Weston High School, 444 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493), or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bowhers
1979
Jim Barton
May 8, 2012
I am shocked and saddened to discover that Bob is gone. I was his room mate at NMH and his partner for a few adventures after that. We had so much fun. It's no surprise to read about how a great a person he was and how much he loved his family. I feel for his family.
David Hillelsohn
August 16, 2011
I have only the fondest memories of Bob to look back on, and some special times at that. I was his client, but i've always considered him a friend. My condolences to the many loved ones he has left behind, but I'm comforted by my memories of Bob as I know they are as well.
Steve Castelline
August 9, 2011
Dear Melissa, I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was my closest freind in high school and beyond and always gave of his time to me and my family When my uncle died Bob helped us sort through the insurance aspect of his estate. My Mom had a special affection for him as well. Missy ,my heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences to you and your family. Steve Castelline Omaha Nebraska
Jonathan Melone
August 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to you, Missy and your family, and to Bob's entire family. I remember Bob so well for all the years of indoor and outdoor track at WHS, some of my best memories back in high school. Bob was such a great person, always offering up encouragement to anyone on the team, and such a great friend. I got to know him so well through my friendship with Vinny. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
August 3, 2011
Missy,
My sympathy to you and your family. Enjoyed the times following the Redskins track team with Bob and Brent. Richard Peoples, Indialantic, FL.
Leslie Hall
July 31, 2011
Missy,
Although neither my sister, Pam nor I were close friends or you and Bob, we were on the track team as well, and came to know Bob and Vinny. Bob was always quick with a smile and always seemed eager to help others...he was truly a 'team' player. Bob and I graduated and I still find it hard to believe that it was so long ago. Pam and I both are thinking of you with since sympathy and hope that each new day will bring you comfort and peace.
Chris Cleary
July 28, 2011
Dear Melissa and family, Bob was the first person I met when I moved to Weston in the 7th grade. He smiled at me, waved and slammed our shared locker shut. He understood the key to comedy - repetition - and did this all year long. He also became a great friend, conspirator, athletic inspiration and example of how to compete as a friend, not a rival. Bob's loss can't be diminished by all the kind words you'll hear from those lucky enough to have known him, but I hope that our fond memories of him reinforce your own favorite memories and keep them in the front of your minds during this difficult time.
Paul Paresky
July 25, 2011
Melissa,
My Sincerest condolences on the passing of Bob. My first business partner and greatest high school friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike Carges
July 22, 2011
Dear Michelle,
My deepest sympathies for you and your family at this time. While I didn't know your dad, he must have been a great person and father to have raised such a wonderful young lady. Time will heal all wounds but your fondest memories will last forever.
Don't hesitate to seek help from all your great friends as they will guide you through these difficult times.
You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
~Mr. C.
Paul Abercrombie
July 22, 2011
Bob Bowhers is the greatest Track and Field athelete ever to grace the field in the history of Weston High School. I'm so sorry to his family.
Class of 78, his friend and fan,
Paul
Kathy Masters
July 20, 2011
Dear Michelle,
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Although I didn't know him, he must have been a remarkable man to have raised such a fine, caring daughter. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Kathy Masters
Greece Athena High School
Harley Gordon
July 20, 2011
To the Bowher Family,
I received notice of Bob's death from his good friend Matt Carpenter. Bob and I were colleagues in the field of long-term care for many, many years. He was also instrumental in helping my company achieve the success it has. I am absolutely heartbroken at his passing. Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your loss. The industry he loved has suffered a grievous loss as well.
Harley Gordon
July 20, 2011
Melissa, some of my fondest professional memories include Bob. He was a true professional, kind, witty person that despite his atheltic stature, he could put any one or group to ease within his first sentence. A great man who always put his family first, and had that integreity that is becoming a rare trait today. Stacy Shill- NH
July 20, 2011
I'm sending my condolences to the Bowhers Family.So sorry to hear of his passing on.I know the Bowhers Family thur Stoneridge Animal Hospital.I was one of the people that took care of Molly.My prayers are with all the family. Linda Young(Rochester N.Y.)
Larry Gilbert
July 20, 2011
Melissa
I had the privilege of working with Bob the last 7 months and we shared many funny stories while traveling together. He talked mostly about his family and how proud he was of everyone's successes. His kind words and constant smile will be missed by us all. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Felice Diercks
July 19, 2011
Having only known Bob through his short tenure at New York Life, I grew to cherish his banter and levity as well as his zest for life. I deeply regret the untimely passing of Bob, and for not having the time to get to know him better. A life taken too soon.
Wishing you sympathy and love,
Mary Scalcucci
July 19, 2011
Melissa,
I worked with Bob only a short time in the insurance industry, but feel it was a privledge to do so. His kind heart and soul along with his knowledge of the insurance industry will be missed. My prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. God Bless
New York Life Insurance Company
David Brandt
July 19, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Bob 3 years ago. He and I traveled together so he could intoduce me to the agencies I was taking over from him. I thought that he had great homor and insight and I found him fun to work with. In addition, he clearly had a deep love for his family. I will keep him and his famiiy in my prayers.
July 19, 2011
Dear Melissa, Kristen, Katy, Michelle, Alex & Mike,
Though my heart breaks for the loss of such a kind and loving man, I feel blessed to have been part of his life, albeit way to briefly. My prayers are with you till I can get there and give you all a big hug. Love Anne, Mom & Mom-In-Law
David McKenzie
July 19, 2011
Dear Melissa and family, I am so sorry and sad to hear the news of Bob's passing. I can only imagine how many lives Bob touched in such a positive way. He was, and always will be a true inspriration to me. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Chad Lapa
July 19, 2011
Melissa - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sadened to hear of this news.
Tom Noble
July 19, 2011
Dear Bowhers & Vitello families,... I am very saddened to learn of Bob's passing. We send our condolences to your families.
July 19, 2011
Missy, we were shocked & saddened to hear about the loss of Bobby. We watched him grow up into a wonderful, gentle young man & then I got to work with him @ the agency. Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. Bob & Faith Doiron
Artermise Cyphers
July 19, 2011
Bob will be greatly missed. Although it was too brief, it was my pleasure to be Bob’s coworker. My prayers are with his family.
Leslie Drake
July 19, 2011
Although we met just a few years ago, Bob's devotion to his family has left a lasting impression on all of us! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ryan Heth
July 19, 2011
Bob was a wonderful person. I only knew him for a short time. He was a true professional and was a great help to me during his time with our company. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. May Bob rest in peace.
Sue Clabault
July 19, 2011
Missy,
I am so sorry for you loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
July 19, 2011
Melissa, I was so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your husband Bob. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Ginny Sirianni (Greece, NY)
Eileen Palmer
July 19, 2011
Melissa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers.
Peter Gelbwaks
July 19, 2011
Bob was a credit to the long term care insurance industry and a kind, giving , sweet , gentle man who will be missed by all. We have lost him much too early but he made his mark on many of us and he will always be remembered as the consumate professional. May his soul rest in peace .
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