Robert Donald Bowden Sr.

Robert Donald Bowden, Sr., 91, Glastonbury, died November 4, 2016 in the presence of his loving wife and family. He was married to Eva Norton Bowden for 65 years. He was born in Bristol, CT June 9, 1925 to Lester and Ruth Beatson Bowden. An Eagle Scout and graduate of Bristol High School, he entered the Army in September 1943. After training with the 94th Division, 301st Regiment, Company E, he was sent to France and Germany, joining the Third Army under General George Patton. As an expert rifleman, he was part of the crossing of the Rhine River. He was captured in Germany, and released as the American troops approached. On returning to Connecticut in Dec 1945, he enrolled in Trinity College and joined the 76th Infantry Division Reserves, as a Lieutenant, rising to Captain before retiring in 1966.

Upon graduation from Trinity, he became a math teacher at East Hartford High School. He taught and served in administration for 35 years, retiring in December 1984. He was a past president of the East Hartford Teachers Association. He held a Master's Degree in Administration and 6th Year Certificate from UConn.

He and Eva moved to Glastonbury in 1952, where they raised their five children. In 1959, he was elected to Glastonbury's first Town Council, served three terms, two as Vice-Chairman, then was elected to the Board of Finance, serving 6 years, until he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1984, where he served 5 terms, retiring in 1995. While in the House he served on the Appropriations, General Law, Education, and Program Review and Investigations Committees, serving a term on the latter as its chairman. He next was elected to the Glastonbury Board of Assessment Review where he served 8 years. In 12 electoral races and one primary, he was undefeated.

He was a deacon, trustee, and past president of First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC, Glastonbury, having been a member since 1954. He served as a delegate to the annual meeting of the Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ and as a chairman of its Resolutions Committee.

Robert Bowden served as a member of the facilities committee of the Historical Society of Glastonbury (8 years), on the Board of the Green Cemetery Association (8 years), as a Little League umpire, Cub Scout Leader, Boy Scout Committee member, past president of Orchard Hill Swim Club, fund raiser for the Welles Turner Library Second Century Fund, and Class Agent for the Trinity Class of 1949.

Bob Bowden was a tennis player, a quartet singer, landscaper at his home and cottage, builder and renovator at his homes in Glastonbury, South Glastonbury and his cottage in Old Saybrook as well as his children's homes. He did crossword puzzles, solved sudokus, watched golf, tennis, baseball, football, horse racing on tv, was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan, as well as a fan of the St Louis Cardinals, the New England Patriots and UConn basketball.

Through all the activities and commitments, his family came first. Besides his wife, he leaves 5 children: Nancy Bowden and her partner David Glenn

of Bloomfield; Janet Bowden and her partner Andrew Manoff of Culver City CA; Richard and his wife Michele of Glastonbury; Barbara Burke and her husband Patrick of Wyncote Pa; and Robert Jr and his wife Lisa of Tolland. His nine grandchildren are Bethany Auck and her husband Sam of Denver, Colorado, Ben Sieke of Culver City, CA, Kathryn Bowden of Glastonbury, Alison Sieke of Hollywood, CA, Erin and Thomas Burke of Wyncote, PA, and Mackenzie, Luke and Casey Bowden of Tolland. He also leaves his niece Donna Bowden Johnson of La Vergne TN. He was predeceased by his brother Russell Beatson Bowden. He also leaves several cousins.

Additionally he opened his home to Eva's cousin Ruth following her father's death until her family settled. In 1977, Adriana, a college student from war-torn Nicaragua, came to live and was followed several months later by her younger sisters Ana and Milena. He was their beloved American “Dad” ever since.

Calling hours will be at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, on Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day) from 4-8pm. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 12 at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury at 10am. Everyone is asked to meet at the church. Burial with Military Honors will be at Green Cemetery, Hubbard Street, Glastonbury.

At the family’s request, please wear bright colors in Bob’s honor.

The family wishes to express its deepest thanks to the staff at the Wethersfield Infusion Center, especially Jen and Kate, for their incredible care and concern. The Hartford Hospital ICU, the Palliative Care unit on the 3rd floor of the Conklin Building and Hartford HealthCare Hospice are also thanked for their strong support and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Church of Christ, 2183 Main Street, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or to FOODSHARE, PO Box 1320, Hartford, CT 06143-1320. To leave online condolences, please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com