Robert J. Bowdring

 Robert J. Bowdring, Sr. (Bob, Bobby, Robbie, Rob, Captain, Dad, Papa, Pop), of Florida, formerly of Somerville and Marshfield, died peacefully, surrounded by his family after a long and eventful 92 years. 

Bob was born on January 28, 1929 to Patrick Joseph Bowdring and Katherine (Devereaux) Bowdring. The third of five children, Bob was  very close with his siblings throughout his life. Family always came first. In his teenage years, Bob was a scholar athlete, the president of his senior class and a varsity baseball and football star at St. Clement’s High School in Somerville. Bob then attended Boston College, beginning a lifelong love affair with BC Eagles football. After graduating in 1952, he joined the Army, where he loyally served our country during the Korean War.  After the service, Bob  returned to Somerville and met his wife Carol. They settled at 440 Broadway where they raised their five children. Always interested in serving others, Bob became involved in city politics, holding positions on the School Committee and as City Auditor for the city of Somerville. He was an entrepreneur and a salesman extraordinaire, working at Panama-Beaver, L. E. Muran Company, and Litton Office Products. Afterwards he started his own business, Superior Printing Company, which his son Jim took over, building on Bob’s success, creating Superior Print and Promotions.

Bob was blessed with love in his life, not only his family but all who knew Bob loved him. His wit, his charm and cute smile endeared people to him. After losing his two wives early in life, he found love again with Nanny (Carol) Ryan. She became a part of our family and he lost her too soon as well. Bob enjoyed nothing more than bragging about his five children and subsequently his twelve grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. He was also well known for his love of singing and dancing, tailgating, and fixing things. Bob believed in following his passions regardless of natural talent. His famed stubbornness gave him a very full and rewarding life, in spite of any misadventures and setbacks along the way.

A self-proclaimed top-notch lobsterman, Bob loved to take out the Boston Whaler and Glastron, with his first mates, brother Howie and  buddy Dick Cranitch to check his lobster traps during summers in Marshfield. He enjoyed the beach, eating seafood and spending time on the water. Rexhame Beach was a source of joy for Bob and his entire family for decades.

Another favorite pastime of Bob’s was travelling. He arranged trips for his family and friends to Hawaii, Ireland, Nova Scotia, Alaska and Disney World, where he was always the life of the party. Bob’s many trips, far and wide, gave him plenty of material for storytelling and chatting with anyone and everyone he met.

Bob’s other passion was his love of God and the Catholic Church. During all phases of his life he was actively involved with the Church and ministries. He was a volunteer at Saint Clement’s and Saint Ann’s in Somerville, Matignon High School, Malden Catholic High School, Our Lady of the Assumption in Marshfield, Our Lady of the Lakes in Florida and the Saint Vincent DePaul Society. His many positions included lector, usher, Eucharistic Minister, and Minister of the Sick. His greatest passions in life were his family, friends and the Catholic Church.

Bob cherished his family, extended family and friends in New England and Florida throughout his life. He added so much joy to each of their lives. Whatever Bob is up to in Heaven, we hope he is having a magical day.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Calling Hours at the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville, Sunday from 3-5pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held in the Resurrection of The Lord Church, 1057 Main St., Hingham, MA, Monday morning at 930 am.

Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden at 245 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to The American Heart Association ,www.heart.org, or the DAV, Disabled American Veterans, www.DAV.org