WESB is saying goodbye to one of our own.
For 33 years, Tom Bowes could be heard covering Bradford Owls basketball and football games with Frank Williams on WESB, as well as providing color and stats for other sportscasters including Stefan Arlington, Brian Piscitelli, and current WESB Sports Director Jimmy Keltz.
Tom’s full obituary follows:
Thomas C. Bowes, 77, of Valleybrook Drive, Bradford, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022, at UPMC Hamot.
Born May 9, 1944, in Altoona, he was the only son of the late William B. and Mollie B. (Buvinger) Bowes.
On April 3, 1971, in St. Bernard Church, he married Jane A. (McGrath) Bowes who survives.
Tom was a 1962 graduate of Hollidaysburg High School. He attended York College and obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Edinboro University in 1967. He later received his Master’s Degree in 1975 from Clarion University.
Tom moved to Bradford in 1967 and began as an elementary teacher at Custer City School. In 1980 he began teaching at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School. He served as Assistant Principal from 1994 through 1995. In 1996 he became the Principal, where he remained until he retired in 2002. He was a member of PSEA, NEA and PASR.
He was a member and ordained Elder of First Presbyterian Church. He was assistant treasurer, chaired the Property Committee, a member of the Personnel Committee and Investment Committee.
Tom joined the Bradford Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM in 1977. He served as Past Master, was a 32 Degree member of the Coudersport Consistory, and a member of the Orak Gratto.
Tom was a founding member of the Big 30 All-Star Charity Classic, and he served as Treasurer for 35 years.
He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and fulfilled the positions of President and Secretary. He was also a LT. Governor of Kiwanis Club District 1 and 2.
Tom was a lifetime member of the NRA, McKean County Rifle Club, and he was an avid supporter of the Buffalo Bills.
He was a member of the City of Bradford’s governing board as Chairman of the Zoning board.
He is survived by his wife, Jane, of 51 years, two sons, Aaron Robert (Jennifer Kirsten Bullock) Bowes of Silver Springs, MD, and Steven William Bowes of Washington, PA, two grandchildren- Alistair Thomas Bowes and Alexandra Morgan Bowes, an uncle John Bowes of Lock Haven, and several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family will receive friends on Friday April 29, 2022, from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 9 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 372 East Main St., and again on Saturday from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the First Presbyterian Church. At 10:30 am funeral services will be held with Catherine Randall, Co-Pastor, officiating. Committal services and entombment will follow in St. Bernard Mausoleum.
Members of Masonic Lodge 749 F&AM will conduct a masonic service at 7:00 pm Friday in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the First Presbyterian Church 54 E. Corydon St. Bradford, PA 16701 or the Big 30 All-Star Charites Classic P.O. Box 82, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
I taught with Tom at Blaisdell Elementary School. We taught on the 6th Grade Team together until he was promoted to Vice Principal. Tom was a very dedicated teacher. He was totally committed to the Children.
i also coached with Tom. He was an asset to the Football Program.
I know that Tom will truly be missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
Sincerely Bob Horovitz