NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Thomas Anderson Bowman died Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. He was 87.
Born in Jersey City, he resided in New Rochelle, NY, Pelham, NY, and Berkeley Heights, NJ before moving to Mendham, NJ. It was his home in Mendham that he referred to as his “little slice of heaven.” In 2000, he and his wife, Helene, settled in the Fairways Community of Lakewood.
Thomas began his career in the oil business at Esso Oil Company, where he worked for 2 years before being drafted to the US Army. He honorably served our country from 1951-1953, stationed in Trieste, Italy. He returned to work at Esso for 9 more years. Thomas worked and attended night classes at Pace College, where he graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in 1957. He ended his career as the Vice President of Auditing at Amerada Hess Oil Company in Woodbridge, NJ, where he worked for 24 years and retired from in May of 1986.
Thomas was an avid gardener, growing vegetables and flowers – especially roses. He was a big fan of the NY Jets and NY Mets and was also a member of the Men’s Club and the Wine Tasting Club in the Fairways Community.
He was predeceased by his twin brother, Joseph Bowman;and his parents, Thomas & Ethel Bowman.
Surviving is his loving wife of 61 years, Helene; a daughter, Susan (Thomas) Schumacker; 2 sons: Thomas (Patricia) and Bradley (Erin) Bowman; 4 grandchildren: Thomas & Christine Schumacker, and Matthew & Ashley Bowman; a sister, Joan Bowman Coker; and nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7PM at the D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home in conjunction with the visitation on Friday at 6PM. Burial will be held on Saturday at Hilltop Cemetery, Mendham.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’s name to the charity of your choice.