Obituary of Ralph B Bowers

Ralph B. Bowers Ralph Boeitker Bowers, age 99, died peacefully on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Zelda (Lycan) Bowers; son and daughter-in-law, James and Judith Bowers; daughter, Laura Bowers; grandchildren, Joseph Bowers Ciolino, M.D. with wife Amanda; and two great grandchildren, Alaire (Bowers) Bonnar with husband Scott; and three great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, Bert and Laura Boeitker Bowers and his grandson, Antonio Ciolino. Born and raised in Horseheads, NY, Ralph was a lifelong resident who liked to say that with the exception of his time in the Army Air Corps, he lived his whole life within a two-mile radius: first Mill Street, then Steuben Street, then to his current home on South Main Street in Horseheads where he died with his family by his side. Ralph was born on December 20, 1913 and was a graduate of the Horseheads High School class of 1932. He recalled his years in the Horseheads School District fondly. He was in the first class that attended the new “annex” for high school, he served as a class officer all four years of high school. After graduating from high school, Ralph graduated Elmira Business Institute and later found mentors in Ben Johnson and George Lee, whom he worked for at Southern Oil. Under the tutelage of Johnson and Lee, Ralph learned to look for opportunities for entrepreneurship. In 1942, Ralph was drafted and became an Information Specialist for the Army Air Corps. After serving in WW II, Ralph returned to Horseheads with his entrepreneurial spirit and soon he opened a Rotary Gas Station in Hanover Square in 1946 and then in 1948 he and his partner, Dana Edminster, built the Pioneer Trailer Park, where they sold mobile homes and modular housing. For all of Ralph’s business successes, he was also an integral member of the community as one of the founding members of the Kiwanis Club, a member of the American Legion, and very active in the First United Methodist Church of Horseheads. Ralph also loved being at Keuka Lake and spent many summers there as well as winters in Florida with his loving wife, children and grandchildren. For his family and friends, 99 years shared with Ralph does not seem like enough; he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Family and friends are invited to call at the First United Methodist Church, 1034 West Broad Street, Horseheads on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 10:30-11:00 am, a service celebrating his life will immediately follow there in church at 11:00 am with the Rev. Rhonda Kouterick officiating. Those wishing may also remember Ralph with memorials to the First United Methodist Church, 1034 West Broad St, Horseheads, NY 14845 or CareFirst (Hospice) 11751 East Corning Road, Corning NY 14830. Arrangements with Barber Funeral Home, Horseheads, NY.