Fredson Thayer Bowers Jr.

Fredson Thayer Bowers, Jr., was born in Boston, MA on April 7, 1927. He lived in Cambridge, MA until age four when his family moved to West Newton Hill. He attended elementary and middle school at the Fessenden School of Newton, then attended the Kent School in Connecticut for one year and Newton High School for three years, graduating in 1945. Fred enlisted in the Navy and served until August, 1946 with an honorable discharge. He graduated from Amherst College in Amherst, MA in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. In 1948 Fred and a friend spent the summer travelling cross-country in an old ambulance they had outfitted for touring. One of Fred's passions was sports cars, particularly his Porsche and MG. Fred was a member of the Sports Car Club of America. As a young adult he travelled throughout New England competing in car races. His plan to begin a career in New York City was disrupted in December 1953 when he was stricken with a severe case of polio. He spent 13 months in the V.A. hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA followed by four months of rehabilitation at a center in Sarasota, Florida. The VA Hospital was where he met his wife, Barbara DeVito, who worked there as a secretary. They were married on September 15, 1956 and went on to raise six children, eventually becoming grandparents to 11 children. Prior to his marriage he began a career with the Insurance Company of North America as a casualty insurance underwriter. In 1975 he was diagnosed with post polio syndrome and took early retirement in 1983. Fred converted to Catholicism in 1961 and immediately immersed himself in church activities. He was an active lector, coordinator of lectors, coordinator of the Men’s Rosary, and assisted with various other ministries within the parish for many years. He was very involved in the production of the Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church centennial book. He played in the church orchestra and in the church guitar and recorder groups, which performed at weekly mass. Fred was active in his community. He volunteered for 18 years at Elizabeth Seton Sisters of Charity in Wellesley Hills. He served on the board of The Stone Institute in Newton Upper Falls, and as treasurer was instrumental in the planning of The McLellan Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. He was active in the Post Polio Association of Greater Boston. After attending his first meeting he wasn’t sure he needed the support of the group, but ultimately decided that they might benefit from his help. He went on to serve as secretary for the organization for many years. An avid local historian, he wrote The History of the Catholic Tradition in Newton, which was buried in a time capsule at Newton City Hall in the 1970s. Over the years Fred and Barbara were drawn to York Beach, Maine and enjoyed many summers there as part time residents. Some of Fred's favorite memories included visiting Nubble Lighthouse and walking the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, ME. Fred was an avid reader of history and historic novels, and read and wrote about the history of his community. He was known for his skilled editing. He enjoyed music and he instilled this love in his children. He played both folk and classical guitar as well as the recorder and ukulele. His many hobbies also included building model railroad sets, chess, and gardening. Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, daughters Mary Ellen Bowers of Cambridge, MA, Joyce LeBlanc of Green Oaks, IL, Julie Quattrucci of Scituate, MA, Pamela Ward of Lovell, ME, Carolyn Leskanic of Needham, MA and son Fredson T. Bowers III of Hong Kong. Fred will be waked at the Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, MA on Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 10:30 am at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes, 270 Elliot Street, Newton Upper Falls, MA. Burial service will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Needham. Donations instead of flowers may be made to the St. Francis House, 39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 or www.stfrancishouse.org.