From the Conte Funeral Home:
Richard John Bowen, age 95, of Andover, MA passed away peacefully on July 31, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife of 71 years, Lucy, and his children.
Richard was born on February 15, 1927 in Waterbury, CT to Thomas and Emma Gertrude (nee Vassaw) Bowen. He was predeceased by his brothers, William and Robert Bowen.
Richard graduated with a BA from Colby College in Waterville, ME in 1951. He went on to earn his MA from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School in 1954, and then returned to school again in 1985 to earn his JD from Suffolk University Law School.
Previously on Andover News: Former Town Manager, Wife, Die Day Apart
Richard was the Town Manager of Andover, Massachusetts from 1964 until 1969. During this time, he was responsible for the tree plantings on Main Street, the building of the Bancroft School, and the official start of conservation land acquisition. He also worked as a professional manager of other municipalities; including towns and cities in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and West Virginia. He began a new career in 1985 as a public defender in the Juvenile Division of the Lawrence Massachusetts District Court until his retirement in 2009.
Richard was a member of Christ Church Andover, where he served most recently as a lector.
Richard was a WWII veteran, who served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Roosevelt and was honorably discharged in 1946.
Richard was an active member of the Andover community and served on various boards and committees. He was recently awarded the prestigious Virginia Cole Citizenship award. In the fall of 2020, the Andover Board of Selectmen voted to name the Ballardvale Green as the “Richard J. Bowen Green”, in honor of his dedicated support of Ballardvale. A beautiful park bench to honor him was placed on the green this past year.
Richard was survived for a single day by his wife, Lucy. He is survived by their children Lizabeth Bowen, Leah Bowen, Rachel Rosenfeld, Maria Bowen Milliner and Bennett Milliner, Jonathan William Bowen and Karen Lee Fikri, and Kristine Bowen Lynes and Michael Lynes. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Eliza, Lucas, Ethan Richard, Andrew, Benjamin, Christopher, Michael, Kaelan, Jessica, Nicolle, Jonathan, Sarah, Matthew, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Richard is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews.
A wake will take place on September 10, 2022 at 10:00am until 12:00pm at Conte Funeral Home, 28 Florence Street Andover, MA (www.contefuneralhomes.com), followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm at Christ Church 33 Central Street Andover, MA (www.christchurchandover.org). These services will be held for both Richard and Lucy Bowen.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lazarus House Ministries of Lawrence, MA www.lazarushouse.org