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John Joseph Bowes, Jr.

John Joseph Bowes Jr. ascended to eternal life with Jesus Christ on September 10, 2020, in search of the greenest golf course in Heaven, where he can shoot his best round yet...

Born in Philadelphia on July 27, 1951, he was the beloved son of the late John J. Sr. and Genevieve Novakowski Bowes and later the stepson of Margaret Bowes-Derricks. 

John enlisted in the United States Navy shortly after graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1969, proudly serving his country for 4 years. After he completed his service, he worked as a Civil Engineer for the Navy at NADC in Warminster, PA. During this time, he earned his Bachelor’s at LaSalle University and his Master’s at Drexel University, all while balancing a very demanding softball, bowling and golf schedule.  

John’s time working as an engineer took him to exotic places all around the world, including Binghamton, NY! Shortly after transferring to Lakehurst Navy Base, he decided to plant his roots in Seaside Park, NJ, becoming a resident beach bum.  John retired from Lakehurst in 2012. In classic John Bowes fashion, he bid farewell dressed in a revealing coconut top and hula skirt at a party attended by hundreds of close friends and family. John was a natural comedian, capturing an audience with his animated joke telling, followed by his infectious and distinctive laugh (snort). He took his role as entertainer seriously, demonstrated by the countless binders of printed out jokes and handwritten index cards strewn about his house.

John was more than just the life of the party, he was a devout Catholic who prided himself on serving his community and supporting his parish. John was a proud Man of Malvern who attended an impressive 46 consecutive retreats at the Malvern Retreat House at St. Joseph’s in the Hills. His faith also brought him to become a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus where he would graciously give back to the community at his local Soup Kitchen in Seaside Park.

He lived his life to the fullest: he enjoyed golfing, driving all over the Eastern seaboard, playing cards with his friends, pulling shenanigans on the golf course, rolling turkeys (maybe) at the bowling alley, golfing, spending time with his kids and grandkids, telling jokes at almost any social gathering, golfing, raising money for charity, golfing and having the loudest Eagles’ football chant you’ve ever heard [E - A - G - L - E - S, EAGLES!!!] John Bowes was a force of man who had a magnetic personality that brought joy to anyone who was lucky enough to find themselves around him.

John is survived by his son, John Bowes III, his wife Lisa and their 2 children, Sophie and John IV; his daughter, Christina Donovan, her husband William IV and their 3 children: William V, Aiden and Saoirse; and his son, Michael Bowes; as well as his siblings, Gerard Bowes, Linda Thomson, Jean Carr, and Lori Brennan. 

He will also be greatly missed by his girlfriend Cheryl, sister-in-law Lynne, brothers-in-law Fran and Pat, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to pay respect to John on Monday, September 21, 2020 from 5:00PM - 8:00PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 E. Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901. On Tuesday, September 22, 2020 there will be a second visitation period from 11:00 AM until John's Funeral Mass at 12:00 Noon at St. Jude Catholic Church, 321 W. Butler Ave., Chalfont, PA 18914. His interment will follow at 2:00PM at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name may be made to Simon's Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 551, Seaside Park, NJ 08752 or online at http://www.simonssoupkitchen.org/honor--memory-gifts.html.

“Drive fast and take chances. GO BIRDS!”

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Service/Memorial Information
  • Evening Visitation

    Monday, September 21st, 2020
    5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, New Britain
    241 East Butler Avenue
    New Britain, PA 18901

  • Morning Visitation

    Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    St. Jude Church
    321 West Butler Avenue
    Chalfont, PA 18914

  • Service

    Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020
    12:00 PM

    St. Jude Church
    321 West Butler Avenue
    Chalfont, PA 18914

  • Cemetery

    Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020
    2:00 PM

    Washington Crossing National Cemetery
    830 Highland Road
    Newtown, PA 18940

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