John R Bower

John R. Bower, 80, of Berwick, went to be with his Lord Tuesday, September 12, 2023.  Born December 9, 1942 in Berwick, he was the son of the late Clyde D. and Edna Mae (Samsel) Bower.

Raised on a dairy farm, John had a strong work ethic. Early on in his career, he was an over the road truck owner/operator for over a decade. Growing weary of being on the road away from his family, he sold his last truck in 1981 and began working with his brother Tom L. Bower in the asphalt paving business. In 1988 he became the second-generation owner of Bower Bus Company, a school bus fleet which had previously been owned by his father Clyde D Bower since the mid 1960’s. After retirement in 2006, John remained very active in day-to-day activities at the bus company, guiding his son as new owner and helping for many years.

John was a familiar face in local politics and loved helping his community. He served as a Township Supervisor for Salem Township in Luzerne County for a period of 12 years between 1994 and 2005. During this time, he was instrumental in planning a sanitary sewer system in Salem Township.

John loved restoration projects of most any kind and enjoyed making something old look new again. He was a “hands-on” guy that was not afraid to dig in and get his hands dirty regardless of the situation. Over the years, John had many restoration projects including old cars, tractors, trucks, buildings and anything else that caught his interest. He also enjoyed home projects and landscaping around his property.

John was a people person, and he had a way of making everyone feel special. He had a sense of humor and a grin that would light up a room. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and a true one-of-a-kind friend to all who were blessed to have known him.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, the former Eleanor Bachardy; one daughter Deborah Pollock (David); two sons John R. Bower II (Allison) and Eric M. Bower (Tracy); three grandchildren:  Katie Pollock (Eric), Megan Totaro (Derek) and Drew Bower (Alex); three great-grandchildren:  Gracelynn, Noah and Dustin; two sisters-in-law Joanne Bower and Rose Bower along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his brothers Clyde D. Bower, Jr.; Don E. Bower, Tom L. Bower and his sister-in-law Linda Bower.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11:00 am at the James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 1024 Market St., Berwick with James Hinckley Jr. officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family at Pine Grove Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 am until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bristol Hospice Foundation, 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive, Suite 105, Richmond, Virginia 23225.

Family and friends may send online condolences to jameslhinckleyjrfuneralhome.com.

The James L. Hinckley Jr. Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Berwick is handling arrangements.

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