Obituary for Richard Philip "Dick" Bowers Sr.
Retired executive vice president of East Penn Manufacturing, Richard “Dick” Bowers, 87, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve in his Green Hills home, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 27, 1931, in Reading, Dick was a son of the late Clarence P. and Lottie Rose (Linkowski) Bowers. He truly celebrated 66 incredible years of marriage to his loving wife Dolores “Dolly” (Dombrowski) Bowers.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Dick attended St. Bonaventure College before joining the Army, where he served proudly in Germany during the Korean War. Batteries were part of Dick’s life since childhood, when his father founded Bowers Battery, which was later part of Exide. Dick joined East Penn in 1964, and he was instrumental in the firm’s tremendous growth, tirelessly leading many different phases of the company’s business, including manufacturing, distributing, merchandising, advertising and personnel.
Twice named “Man of the Year” in 1983 and 1989 by the AMN, the automotive aftermarket industry, Dick was recognized for his important contributions to the industry, the progress of his company, and his own personal achievements. Over a long, distinctive career, Dick’s knowledge and leadership would prove invaluable to East Penn and the battery industry at large. He was also the President of IBMA, International Battery Manufacturers Association. While a fierce competitor, he was highly respected by his peers.
But as monumental as his success was in business, Dick’s personal achievements were just as significant. He was devoted to his wife and children, teaching them life skills like how to treat everyone with respect and dignity. He cherished time with all of his family, and they enjoyed many travels together throughout the US and Canada. After retirement, the power duo continued their travels throughout the world. He was a loving “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, and they simply adored him.
Dick was extremely generous to anyone in need, and he gave from his heart in the most humble of ways. He looked out for everyone, and was a guardian angel to many. But his most special passion was for his high school sweetheart Dolly. They were true partners in every sense of the word, always stood by one another, and they were inseparable to the end.
Dolly and Dick were devout Catholics, as long-time members of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington and members of the Church of St. Benedict, Mohnton. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed golfing and spending time by the water, whether it be boating around Marco Island or relaxing on the beach in Brigantine. He was instrumental in the care of the lake at Green Hills. He was also a devout fan of Notre Dame and his beloved Yankees.
In addition to Dolly, Dick is survived by their children: son Richard, Jr., husband of Margaretha, Lake Mary, Fl. and daughters Karen, widow of Barry Shellenhamer, Wyomissing; Dr. Lisa Murray, Towson, MD, and Julie Faust, Wyomissing Hills. Also surviving are those lucky enough to call him “Pop-Pop”: Jason Shellenhamer, Amanda Kelly, Erin Murray Bradley, Rebecca Murray, Daniel Faust, and Nathan Faust; one very special great granddaughter Payton Kelly, and his incomparable cat Jake.
Dick was predeceased by a brother Bernard, and a sister, Marie Miller.
A Celebration of Dick’s life well-lived will be held Monday, December 31, 2018, at 12:00noon at the Church of St. Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton. Entombment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. Friends may call Monday from 10:00am to 12:00Noon at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s honor may be made to the John Paul II Center, at johnpauliicenter.org/wordpress, or to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, www.berksarl.org/donate.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
After graduating from Central Catholic High School, Dick attended St. Bonaventure College before joining the Army, where he served proudly in Germany during the Korean War. Batteries were part of Dick’s life since childhood, when his father founded Bowers Battery, which was later part of Exide. Dick joined East Penn in 1964, and he was instrumental in the firm’s tremendous growth, tirelessly leading many different phases of the company’s business, including manufacturing, distributing, merchandising, advertising and personnel.
Twice named “Man of the Year” in 1983 and 1989 by the AMN, the automotive aftermarket industry, Dick was recognized for his important contributions to the industry, the progress of his company, and his own personal achievements. Over a long, distinctive career, Dick’s knowledge and leadership would prove invaluable to East Penn and the battery industry at large. He was also the President of IBMA, International Battery Manufacturers Association. While a fierce competitor, he was highly respected by his peers.
But as monumental as his success was in business, Dick’s personal achievements were just as significant. He was devoted to his wife and children, teaching them life skills like how to treat everyone with respect and dignity. He cherished time with all of his family, and they enjoyed many travels together throughout the US and Canada. After retirement, the power duo continued their travels throughout the world. He was a loving “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, and they simply adored him.
Dick was extremely generous to anyone in need, and he gave from his heart in the most humble of ways. He looked out for everyone, and was a guardian angel to many. But his most special passion was for his high school sweetheart Dolly. They were true partners in every sense of the word, always stood by one another, and they were inseparable to the end.
Dolly and Dick were devout Catholics, as long-time members of St. John Baptist de la Salle, Shillington and members of the Church of St. Benedict, Mohnton. In his spare time, Dick enjoyed golfing and spending time by the water, whether it be boating around Marco Island or relaxing on the beach in Brigantine. He was instrumental in the care of the lake at Green Hills. He was also a devout fan of Notre Dame and his beloved Yankees.
In addition to Dolly, Dick is survived by their children: son Richard, Jr., husband of Margaretha, Lake Mary, Fl. and daughters Karen, widow of Barry Shellenhamer, Wyomissing; Dr. Lisa Murray, Towson, MD, and Julie Faust, Wyomissing Hills. Also surviving are those lucky enough to call him “Pop-Pop”: Jason Shellenhamer, Amanda Kelly, Erin Murray Bradley, Rebecca Murray, Daniel Faust, and Nathan Faust; one very special great granddaughter Payton Kelly, and his incomparable cat Jake.
Dick was predeceased by a brother Bernard, and a sister, Marie Miller.
A Celebration of Dick’s life well-lived will be held Monday, December 31, 2018, at 12:00noon at the Church of St. Benedict, 2020 Chestnut Hill Road, Mohnton. Entombment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, Laureldale. Friends may call Monday from 10:00am to 12:00Noon at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s honor may be made to the John Paul II Center, at johnpauliicenter.org/wordpress, or to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, www.berksarl.org/donate.
Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.