Herbert 'Herb' Myron Bowers

Herbert "Herb" Myron Bowers, 84, of Brockett Street, Dolgeville, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2009, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, New York. At the time of his passing, he had his loving family by his side.

Herb was born in Oppenheim, New York, on July 26, 1924, son of the late Edson and Ella (Montana) Bowers. He was a graduate from Dolgeville Central School, class of 1941. Shortly after graduation, Herb enlisted in the United States Army. He was a proud veteran of World War II. He served in the Headquarters Company 776th Tank Battalion in the South Pacific areas of the Philippines, New Guinea and Luzon. He attained the rank of staff sergeant in the Assault Gun Platoon. Herb also was awarded several medals, which included the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal and World War II Victory Medal. His most distinguished honor was being awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Herb received an honorable discharge in 1945.

Upon his return home from the war, he married the former Wilma Mosher on November 28, 1946. Together they had three daughters, Cheryl, Virginia and Sue. They shared a blessed union of 34 years until her passing on May 5, 1982.

Herb worked for Niagara Mohawk for 43 years, retiring once, then returning upon being asked to take a supervisor's position with the company, and then retiring once again.

In addition, Herb and Wilma built and ran Bowers' Market in Oppenheim for many years, which was a very popular gathering spot for the local folks. He also was a proud member of the St. Johnsville Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 611.

On November 16, 1985, he was united in marriage to the former Marcia Tripodi and was a treasured stepfather to her children, Barbara and Vincent. This fall, Herb and Marcia would have shared 24 years of marriage together. Herb and Marcia were crowned the Dolgeville Violet Festival King and Queen in June of 2008. Last summer, Herb was able to fulfill a lifelong dream, when on vacation in Hawaii he was able to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial, the U.S.S. Missouri and the Punch Bowl Cemetery.

Christmas was always a special time for Herb as he enjoyed canning jams, jellies, pickles and making applesauce. Springtime also was a favorite time of his, as he would take pleasure in making maple syrup with his brother, Don. Herb especially enjoyed painting, drawing, genealogy, as well as being an avid reader. Herb was an accomplished writer, having written several books about his upbringing, childhood and family. He also liked to hunt, fish, and spend time outdoors. In addition, he loved his golf outings and playing his weekly card games. Of all of Herb's activities, spending time with his family was favorite.

Herb was a wonderful husband, loving father, a special "Pop" to his grandchildren, great brother and an "Uncle Herb" to many. He was well-known for his large family, having many friends and always telling a lot of stories. If you heard a whistle, you knew Herb was coming along and it was going to be a good day. He always put his family first. Herb was an exceptional man and will be greatly missed by his family, friends and his community.

Herb is survived by: his beloved wife, Marcia; his loving children, Cheryl Mackiewicz and her husband, Richard, of Buffalo, NY, Virginia Herb and her husband, Gary, of Fort Plain, NY, Sue Crouse and her husband, David, of Mayfield, NY, Barbara Hodge and her husband, Bruce, of Greenfield Center, NY, and Vincent Tripodi of New Hartford, NY; eleven special grandchildren, Ann Panek and her husband Len, Matthew, David, Paul, Sarah and Elizabeth Mackiewicz, Kirstin Trevino and her husband Juan, Brieanne Crouse, Nicholas Tripodi, Kathryn (Kasey) and Cristina Hodge; four cherished great-grandchildren, Diego, Isabella, Jacob and Kylee; two sisters, Esther Austin and her husband, Larry, of Dolgeville, NY, and Betty Aiello and her husband, Pat, of Syracuse, NY; a brother, Don Bowers and his wife, Theresa, of Oppenheim, NY; in-laws, Mardis Bowers of Florida and Erna Bowers of Frankfort, NY; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, Ed Bowers and Cy Bowers; and one beloved granddaughter, Elaina Mackiewicz.

Calling hours will be held (today) Wednesday, April 29, 2009, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329. The St. Johnsville Free and Accepted Masons Lodge No. 611 will hold a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services for Herb will be held at the funeral home on Thursday morning, April 30, 2009 at 10 a.m. with Pastor James Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, town of St. Johnsville, where military funeral honors will be given.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider the Dolgeville Violet Festival, the Oppenheim Historical Society or the Salvation Army. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To place an online message of sympathy, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com