John J. Bowler

HOLYOKE: John J. Bowler, age 84, of Holyoke died on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Holyoke Medical Center. He was born in Holyoke, son of the late James and Helen (Sullivan) Bowler, attended Holyoke Schools and was a 1950 graduate of Holyoke High School. John also graduated from Holyoke Community College and The College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee. He was a teacher in the East Longmeadow Public School System for over twenty years, retiring in 1983. John was a communicant of Our Lady of the Cross Church and a member of the Holyoke Lodge of Elks, #902. He was predeceased by his wife Mary L. (Walsh) Bowler in 1980. John leaves a son, Michael Bowler of Holyoke; two brothers, Thomas and George Bowler, both of Holyoke; a sister, Elizabeth Fresino of Holyoke and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Lorraine, Eileen Festa and Joan Woods, and three brothers, James, Joseph, and Daniel. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial for John on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Cross Church, Sycamore Street, Holyoke. Burial will be at a later date. There are no calling hours. Barry J. Farrell Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to Providence Ministries. P.O. Box 6269, Holyoke, MA 01041.