Bernard Thomas Bowdy

Bernard Thomas “Bernie” Bowdy, 87, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2025. Bernie was born on October 25, 1937, in Danbury, Connecticut. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard James Bowdy and Virginia Allen Bowdy; his brother, James Benjamin Bowdy; his sister, Rosemary Jensen; and his beloved wife of 64 years, Janet Jennings Bowdy.

In 1954, Bernie enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving for six years. Despite losing sight in his right eye as a child, he was determined to serve his country—teaching himself to shoot left-handed so as not to draw attention to his injury.

In 1958, he married a local girl, Janet Jennings, and together they raised four children: Virginia Wood, Elizabeth Boyd, Barbara Raesz, and Thomas Bowdy. In 1969, they moved their young family across the country and made a new home in Texas.

After Janet’s passing in 2021, Bernie carried her memory with deep devotion. Together, they were blessed with nine grandchildren—Doug Allen, Brandy Villere, Jeremy Wood, Brad Boyd, Lindsay Castner, J.J. Boyd, Jason Raesz, Matthew Raesz, and Stephanie Flores—and twelve great-grandchildren.

Bernie had a lifelong love of sports, which he enjoyed well into his senior years. Over the course of his adult life, he played softball, darts, billiards, bowling, and most of all, golf. For more than 30 years, he shared a weekly round of golf with his dear friend Louie Forte.

He was endlessly proud of his family and held a special affection for his two sisters, Patricia Jurawski and Marie Eannotti. Bernie will be remembered for his warm smile, his occasional mischievous smirk, and the deep joy he found in life’s simple pleasures.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and quiet strength. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.