Steven R. Bower

Steven Bower Obituary

Steven R. Bower

Punta Gorda, Florida

Steven Roger Bower, 59, of Punta Gorda, Florida peacefully passed away September 5, 2014 at Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida, after a valiant, yet, short battle with cancer.

Steve was born in Toronto, Canada in 1954 to Pearl Mary Miller and Verne Bower. The family moved to the US in 1958. He grew up in Pittsford, NY and attended Pittsford Sutherland High School. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1978 with a BA in Geological Science. Steve had a successful career with GMAC for 30 years, culminating as Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. During his tenure with GMAC he and the family lived in numerous states across the country and touched many lives positively along the way.

He was a USCG licensed captain, avid fisherman and boater and was always happiest when out on the water. He enjoyed working on cars and was duly proud of a complete frame-off restoration of a 1964 red GTO convertible. Steve was a natural leader who possessed a great wit and an uncanny ability to read people.

Steve was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Punta Gorda and the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. He also gave of his time distributing food with the mobile food pantry for the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Steve is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 40 years, Susan (DellaVilla) Bower. He is the proud dad of two children in Urbandale, Iowa: Selena (Todd) McClish and Steven John (Chrystal) Bower, and seven beautiful grandchildren: Berkley McClish, Brookelyn Bower, Colton McClish, Drake McClish, Kenna Bower, Taytum Bower and Beckett McClish. Brothers: Kerry (Maria) Bower of Clifton Springs, NY and Randy (Alice) Bower of Victor, NY and a sister Robin (Charlie) Sabatka of Suwanee, GA. Step-father, George Wittet of Canandaigua, NY and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Bower and his mom, Pearl Mary Wittet.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238 or on-line at Tidewellhospice.org and the Sacred Heart Chapter of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, 25200 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 or on-line at svdppuntagorda.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Sep. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Bower

14 Entries

Kenna Bower

July 17, 2022

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope the loss of you grandpa. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Your Grandchild, Kenna Bower

Robyn L Scott

September 3, 2021

I still remember his kindness and think of him often. One of my favorite bosses!

September 22, 2014

I enjoyed working with Steve. It is sad he wasn't able to enjoy retirement very long.

Kathy Machan

September 19, 2014

Sue,
I was lucky enough to report to Steve when he was the VP in Seattle. He was an outstanding boss with an awesome sense of humor and great patience with me as a new Branch Manager. He helped guide me toward success and I really appreciated all of his support and expertise. I always enjoyed our dealership visits together across Idaho. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless.

Debbie Janko

September 18, 2014

Sue, I was fortunate to have worked with Steve in both Des Moines and Minneapolis. I enjoyed his wit and his sense of humor.

Debbie Janko

September 18, 2014

Sue, I had the honor of working for Steve in both Des Moines and Minneapolis. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and wit.

Robyn Scott

September 18, 2014

Sue, over the years I had the opportunity to work for Steve twice at GMAC and he was a true professional; a leader I had great respect for. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. Steve!

Kevin Brady

September 17, 2014

Sue, we just heard of Steve's passing and words cannot express our deepest condolences & sympathy for you and your family at this very difficult time. We have so many fond memories of Steve....he was such a wonderful man. Our paths crossed many times over our years at GMAC/ALLY. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. We hold you in our thoughts & prayers.
Kevin & Lynda Brady

Claire Hutchins

September 12, 2014

I've known Steve for 30 years. He was a great friend and like a brother to me. I will miss him more than words can say. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Sue, Selena, John and the rest of Steve's family.

Toni Rubino

September 11, 2014

Steve was a remarkable person, who I had the pleasure of working with at GMAC. He was definitely the captain to our ship who through his leadership successfully transitioned us into a unified team. The foundation which he laid is still solid today because of his dedication and expertise.

He will be missed. My thoughts are with Sue and his family during this time.

Delvis Harrell

September 10, 2014

Hold on to your memories, and let them guide you during this time of sadness.

Debbie Dinneen

September 10, 2014

I was so fortunate to get to know and work with Steve at GMAC/Ally. He was truly an amazing, funny, smart and caring man and Manager. I am truly sad to hear of his passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

September 9, 2014

A time too short.
Much Love

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