Photo courtesy of Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC - Pen Argyl
Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Mar 13, 1942 – Mar 7, 2022 (Age 79)
John Gower of Pen Argyl, died 6 days shy of his 80th birthday on 7 March 2022. He was born and raised in the Bellevue section of West Scranton and was a proud graduate of the University of Scranton, often talking fondly of his days at “The U”. He eventually settled in the Lehigh Valley and was a teacher/administrator for over 40 years, most of them in the Bangor school district. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Pauline, and 3 sons, John Paul, Joseph, and James and daughter in law Heather. He was ‘Gramps’ to 3 loving grandchildren, Lia, Reece, and Gianni. The sidewalks of Pen Argyl won’t be the same without him roaming them this Spring. Whether it was family, a friend, and old student, or a random stranger sitting on their porch, he was always willing to share some words and a joke. Services will be private. Celebrate his life with a toast, a laugh, and a donation to the charity of your choice.
The Ruggiero Funeral Home, LLC, Pen Argyl is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.ruggierofuneralhome.com.
Read MoreMay Mr. Gower rest in peace. I am friends with John Paul Gower from St. Charles Seminary. I was a guest at the beautiful and warm Gower home one Thanksgiving many years ago. I learned from a very kind Mr. Gower how homes in the northeast do well to warm their home with a combination of coal and gas. Being from South Texas, I had no idea. I am sorry for your loss.
Rafael Garcia
February 22, 2025
I just today learned of your passing. The world is a poorer place without you in it Mr. Gower. You are the reason I made it through highschool and went on to college. I will miss you terribly and I promise to keep doing the NY Times crossword in your memory. Requiescat in Pace.
John Futchko
July 11, 2022 | School
Mr. Gower was one of a kind! Truly the best principal ever! I was so sorry to hear of his passing. He did his job justice! He was certainly there for the kids! I will miss running into him here and there! Always knew who we were, he had a memory like an elephant! He truly made an impact on my young life! Always willing to listen, give advice, talk things out! He always made time if need be! He will be missed! I was fortunate enough to usually see him several times a year, until Covid. I had...
Dana Spence
March 16, 2022 | BANGOR, PA | Student
I always admired and respected Mr. Gower. He was my principal at Bangor Junior High. One day I had detention and had no ride home. He saw me walking and gave me a ride. Just a moment of kindness that made an impact on me. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Lori Lyter-Getz
March 13, 2022
Mr. Gower was an incredible leader and educator. He made Junior High Fun with his joking and friendly manner. He will be missed but he will not be forgotten. God Bless.
Matt Buist
March 11, 2022
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Gower and family. When I joined the faculty family at Bangor Junior High School, Mr. Gower welcomed me, and showed increasing support for my ideas and efforts to grow the Band Program and Music Curriculum. He was an outstanding principal and always professional. My favorite memory of Mr. Gower is when he shared a personal story with me. After attending a ceremonial musical performance at the Air Force Academy, he told me how proud he was of his son, and how...
Debra Heiney
March 11, 2022 | Work
Mr. Gower was a wonderful teacher and human being. The world is a little less bright without his wisdom and snarky jokes. My condolences to his family.
Rachael Fiorot
March 10, 2022 | Pittsburgh, PA | Student
John was a co-worker and Pen Argyl neighbor. Condolences to Pauline and their children during this difficult time.
Dave and Michele Possinger
March 10, 2022
I first met John while walking the track at Bangor Park in my University of Scranton Alumni Sweatshirt. That was enough of an ice breaker for John. We spoke of "da U", Marywood, the Jesuits, and numerous other subjects. Needless to say, my laps flew by. Thereafter, every time I ran into John he remembered me, and our conversation resumed. A true "gentleman and a scholar". He will be missed.
Dave Ceraul U of S '77
March 10, 2022