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Gary Bowen Obituary
of Boston
BOSTON -- Gary J. Bowen, of Boston, passed away on November 26th, 2015, surrounded by his family. A beloved husband and devoted father, he is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Gary, and his wife, Danielle; his daughter, Kerri, and her husband, Daniel; his grandchildren, Kingston and Boston; his brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Judy McCloskey; and his nephew, Jackie McCloskey.
Born in Providence, RI on February 11, 1947, he attended the University of Rhode Island, where he met his wife of 47 years, graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, and was honored as a distinguished alumnus with the URI Engineering Entrepreneur Award. He loved his alma mater and valued the life-long friendships he shared with Phi Gamma Delta brothers. He gave back to the university with gratitude, serving as a Trustee for the URI Foundation and the Principal for Technology Investments on URI's Making a Difference Leadership Committee. Gary was a distinguished member of the high tech community throughout his career. A former executive at Hewlett-Packard, he helped launch technology startups Masscomp and Wellfleet Communications. In the later stages of his career, he remained engaged as a venture capital investor and a board member to many high technology start-ups. What he cherished most about his years in business were the enduring friendships he formed with respected colleagues, many of whom became his closest, most beloved friends.
BOWEN -- A funeral mass will be held at Saint Cecilia Parish, 18 Belvidere St., Boston on Thursday, December 3rd at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Cancer Center at Massachusetts General Hospital or the Cancer Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he received compassionate care in his brave battle against cancer.
Boston Harborside Home
JS Waterman-Langone
www.BostonHarborsideHome.com
617-536-4110
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Bowen
Paul H. Harpin
November 22, 2021
Who knew Gary would be the first of several Fijis to pass on within a short time: Tom, Ralph, Jim, Ted, Joey, Paul Healy, Bernie, Tim Mills, Smed, Dick Pinkus. Possibly others I've missed. May they all rest in peace and enjoy the Fiji punch in heaven. I have a picture I keep in a place of honor of the Phi Gam cabinet one year including Gary, Tom, Terry Chase, John Mills and myself. Every time I look at it I automatically smile. Those were good times indeed. I imagine Gary has those guys organized up there.
Arthur Ardolino
November 22, 2019
I miss him,was very good to me .We talked a lot of Football.I'm sure He's still watching.I think of him offen,just this week ,I was thinking of him.God took him too early.
February 10, 2016
Gary,
So sorry to hear this, I had no idea.
Hope you and your family strengthen through time. Give me a call anytime 978 551 2512.
January 6, 2016
i loved this man,he was a great kind thoughtful man,i'll miss all our time's together, when he came to see me in my shop,i'll truly miss him,my prays go out to his wife and family your truly arthur ardolino,from gentlemen's choice,barber shop
William Ward Jr
December 20, 2015
My condolences to the Bowen family. I know this is a tough time for all of you. If there is anything we can do let us know.
Warmest Regards, Bill Ward (Your neibor on Lords Point)
Frank & Joan Stasiowski
December 6, 2015
Barbara and Gary Jr.----Joan and I just learned of Gary's passing.....loss of a great lifetime friend and a true gentleman, father and husband. Please accept our sincere condolences..Joan and Frank
Paul and Martha Harpin
December 5, 2015
Barbara and family,
We're deeply sorry we were unable to be there for Gary's funeral. We had a long-time family commitment to honor. Right at 10:00 on Thursday, December 3d, I was holding my two month old granddaughter and thought about Gary and all he meant to you, URI and his Fiji brothers. He left a strong impression on everyone he met, especially those of us who knew him well. I always felt a bond with him, especially during our URI/Fiji years. We had sporadically kept in contact since but when we met at the 2008 Fiji reunion--that he so well-organized--it was only the second time we'd seen each other in person since 1974 I believe. No matter, the time disappeared and we were talking like it had only been a few days rather than years. I particularly enjoyed the Red Sox game Gary so kindly hosted for me and two other Fijis in August 2011. Those were by far the best seats I have had at a professional game and the company was terrific. I am proud to have known Gary and am proud to say that Gary had a positive influence on my life with his attitude, demeanor, sense of humor and his love for, and dedication to, you Barbara. Martha and I wish you all the best and know your strength will carry you through this incredibly trying time.
Patty Stafford
December 5, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all of you! We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Gary! He was such a bright, talented and loving human being! He made a huge impression on everyone who crossed his path. We hold many happy memories of very early days when he and Barbara lived in Chelmsford. We had many fun times with Kerri and Gary! We wish we could have connected more with all of you but we were always thinking of you and wondered how you were doing. May God hold you tightly in his heart at this difficult time and give you the peace and comfort that you so greatly need! Love always and forever, Larry and Patty Stafford, Amherst, NH
December 3, 2015
Dear Barbara,
I worked for HP on the East Coast many years ago and got to know Gary. I was saddened to hear of his passing and want you to know you are in my prayers.
Frank Carretta
December 3, 2015
Barbara and Family,
We are indeed saddened by Gary's death.
We fondly remember many fun times at URI with Gary and Barb. We hoped to see Gary in July in Newport, and did not learn of his cancer until we received Barbara's note to fraternity brothers.
I was lucky enough to serve as a fraternity officer for Phi Gamma Delta with Gary. He brought mature adult and reasoned leadership to the house. My college memories were of a true gentleman. A quick wit, keen intellect, serious and talented student, wry sense of humor, ever present smile, excellent athlete, totally smitten with Barbara, and a humble patriot.
Gary always stated in touch and we shared a funny email a few weeks ago.
After graduation, he was a driving force for the fraternity and in particular, URI. It was not until I worked in the defense industry after the military that I realized the tremendous extent of Gary's business life. I met many who had worked with him and all had the highest esteem and respect. Gary always maintained a keen interest in national security affairs and he was a pleasure to talk with. A true patriot. He left a wonderful legacy and I hope Barbara and family can take some small comfort in that. We were fortunate to know Gary.
With deepest sympathy,
Tom and Pat O'Connell
URI classmates.
Alexandria, VA
Steve Collins
December 3, 2015
Dear Barbara and family,
Gary was the very best. He will be so missed by everyone who knew him and whose lives he touched in such a positive way. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Genevieve Meegan
December 2, 2015
Dear Barbara and Family,
Dave and I were so sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. Gary was someone special, and you are too, Barbara. Wish we had gotten together more often. I do hope to visit you soon and extend my condolences in person. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cousin Genevieve
Daniel Wheelan
December 2, 2015
Dear Barbara,
Good memories of your life with Gary will give you the strength to endure his loss. You and your children are in my thoughts.
Danny
December 2, 2015
My condolences to the family for your loss. May God's word be of comfort and strength to you during this difficult time. 1 Cor. 15:26
December 2, 2015
Barbara,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gen just saw the obituary today.
I remember Auntie Eleanor and Uncle Lou speaking so fondly of Gary. Hold your dearest memories close to your heart. My deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Susan Coppa-Collins
December 2, 2015
Dear Barbara, Gary and Kerri
I am so sorry for your loss. My memories go back to our 1st days at HP. We attended training together in September, 1969. We worked together in Lexington until Gary moved on to tremendous success in the world of technology. He was a special person. Bill Hoey and Bev Pettit
December 2, 2015
Barbara, Gary and Kerri and family
We were so sorry to hear of Gary's passing and we all wish you our deepest sympathy as you go through this difficult time.
Ed, Dave and Allison Kern
December 2, 2015
I first met Gary and his son in Narragansett in 2007.Two wonderful and brilliant people.I wish I had known them longer.I pray Barbara has the strength to get through these difficult times.
mgriley
Dirk Recker
December 1, 2015
Barbara and Family,
Like many others, I worked with Gary at Wellfleet. Gary has helped shape our careers. He led by example. Gary taught us how to be accountable and operate with integrity. In our business, we are encouraged to bring in executive leadership to visit the accounts. I have not run across anyone better at this role than Gary. I think you will hear these sentiments echoed from a lot of other people who worked with him. My deepest condolences to your family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dirk Recker
Susan Wheelan
November 30, 2015
Dear Barbara and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know Gary in person but knew of him through you. Barbara,losing Gary must be so difficult. If there is something that I can do,let me know. Call me if it will help.
Love, Susan
I
Jose Acosta
November 30, 2015
Truly saddened to hear of Gary's passing. Few I have met with his integrity and character.. very few.
Our family extends its condolences to Barbara, Gary Jr, Kerri and extend family.
Peter George
November 30, 2015
My heart goes out to the entire Bowen family. Gary had a profound affect on many of us at Wellfleet. He was the "gold standard" as an executive in the technology industry. No one came close to his leadership ability, his class and for his humanity! He will always be remembered.
November 30, 2015
Dear Barbara and family,
This is Ken Burlingame, Gary's uncle. For the first 10 years of his life Gary and I were like older and younger brothers. We lived in the same family under difficult circumstances. Despite the early years' challenges, he rose above them to become the first to graduate from college in his family. He was bright, creative, hard working, kind and generous. He was a devoted father and I'm sure a wonderful husband. He gave back much to his community. I admired him from a distance as an adult and followed his career which was outstanding. God bless him and his family and wonderful wife, Barbara.
In loving memory, Uncle Ken
Ed & Cyndi Maggio
November 30, 2015
Dear, Barbara, Gary and Kerri,
We were so sad to hear of your loss.
Gary will be remembered as a kind and loving man and will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you all.
Deepest Sympathy,
Ed and Cyndi Maggio
Tony Naples
November 30, 2015
I am profoundly saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I cherished both my personal and professional relationship with Gary. He was a truly inspiring and thoughtful person whose leadership examples I continue to follow and reference daily. Gary created the most enjoyable and professional working atmosphere that to this day is unmatched throughout my career. Gary never failed to return any call long after we no longer shared a direct working relationship. More touching for me was how this very busy man apologized if he ever took longer than 24 hours to return a call even when we had not spoken for several months or years. Gary never failed to ask how he could support my current endeavors. My thoughts and prayers are with Gary's family as you grieve from the passing of your loving husband father.
Ron Koshko
November 30, 2015
Gary made a lasting positive impression on all of us at Wellfleet. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Barbara and the entire family.
Ron Koshko
Wellfleet
Terri Lynn Sullivan
November 30, 2015
My blessings to entire Bowen family. Gary was a grounding force who helped many of us succeed in our careers with Wellfleet/Bay Networks/Nortel and beyond. A huge heart, innovative mind, and beautiful soul that now rests in peace.
November 30, 2015
May the God of all comfort bring your family peace at this time of deep sorrow.
Sean Baxter
November 30, 2015
Barbara, Gary and Kerri,
So sorry for your loss. Uncle Gary will always be remembered as a giving, and loving person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sean and Lori Mollo Baxter
November 29, 2015
Barbara
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Gary was a wonder friend and great companion in the world of start-up companies. First Masscomp, then Wellfleet and later numerous ventures where his leadership made a difference. Gary will be missed.
Gary's leadership followed a simple rule, he never asked anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself. He was an inspiration to us all.
Russell Planitzer
Charles Mitsakos
November 29, 2015
The Greeks, who have words for everything, have a special prayer for a time such as this: May the memory of Gary Bowen, who is worthy of blessedness and eternal memory, be wit us now and forever and ever.
Charlie Mitsakos
Buffy liVolsi
November 29, 2015
Barbara, I' m so sorry to hear the sad news of Gary's passing. Please know that you and your family are very much in my thoughts and prayers. Buffy LiVolsi
November 29, 2015
Barbara and Family: Our hearts go out to you all at this difficult time.
Alan and Phyllis Silver
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