Mr. Gerald Bowen

Gerald Bowen, 80, of Rockland Township, died June 16, 2024, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the loving husband of Linda D. (Miller) Bowen. They were married January 6, 1973.

Born in Reading, Gerald was a son of the late Albert H., Sr., and Caroline A. (Barth) Bowen. He was a parishioner of Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown, where he was a former member of the Men's Club and choir. Gerald honorably and faithfully served our country as a Veteran of the United States Navy (1961-1964).

Jerry, as he was known by family and friends, graduated from Reading Central Catholic High School, Class of 1961. After he was discharged from the Navy, he was employed at the former Moselem Springs Inn, Fleetwood, as a chef and manager. He then went on to work as a specialty steel worker for Carpenter Technology Corporation, Reading, for over 25 years, retiring in 2002. Following his retirement, he took on a part-time role in Dining Services at The Lutheran Home at Topton.

His priorities in life were spending time with his wife and family, taking trips to Cape May, manicuring his lawn, rooting for the Phillies and Eagles, watching his grandson's soccer and lacrosse games, and sailing on an occasional cruise. Jerry's favorite pastime, however, was taking care of his "backyard bird friends."

In addition to his wife of 51 years, Gerald is survived by two daughters, Krista M. (Bowen) wife of Pedro L. Torres, Jr., Allentown and Katie A. Bowen, Rockland Township. Other survivors include a grandson, Ethan M. Torres. There is a brother, Albert H., husband of Brenda (Nusbaum) Bowen, Cheltenham, MD, and a sister, Laurie A. Bowen, Wyomissing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 14833 Kutztown Road, Kutztown, PA, with The Reverend John F. Maria, as Celebrant. Prior to the mass, relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the church. Interment in New Jerusalem Union Cemetery, Fleetwood, will follow the mass.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Rd, Birdsboro, PA 19508 (www.berksarl.org) OR The Sanctuary at Haafsville, PO Box 921, Fogelsville, PA 18051 (www.thesanctuarypa.org).

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.