Richard Bower

Richard Timothy Bower, age 56 went to be with his Savior on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in his home, surrounded by his family. Rich was born on May 23, 1967 in Arlington, Texas. He was immediately diagnosed with Congenital Heart Disease. Very early in life, doctors did not expect Rich to live beyond 10 years. However, God had another plan for his life. He was a man of faith who worked hard and lived well. As a younger man, he knew the value of honest work, beginning with a paper route at the age of 13.

After high school Richard earned an associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Penn Technical Institute in Pittsburgh and later a Bachelor of Science in Quality Engineering from Penn State/Behrend Campus in Erie. In addition Rich obtained APICS certification, and was certified as a Quality Systems Auditor. He always looked for quality in everything he did, even advising a restaurant owner in one instance that he needed a quality control manager. He was employed through the years at well respected companies including Sipco Plastics in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Carlisle Engineered Products in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Thomson Plastics Industries in Sandersville, Georgia ,Brose/Mercedes Benz, USA in Vance, Alabama, and Namsco Plastics Industries, Inc. in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, from which he retired due to health related issues in 2014. After he retired, he often traveled back to New Kensington to do audits for the company that he had worked for. The owner, David Namy, cared for Richard like a son.

When Richard moved to Atlanta, Georgia after his retirement, he and Kim Russell, another adult congenital heart survivor, created a faith based charity that worked with and educated teenage heart patients as they transitioned from youth to adulthood. Every year from this organization, scholarships are granted to a few CHD youth who will be attending college. Rich volunteered at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, reading to, and helping to care for younger patients, and encouraging parents of children who were ill. Rich did counseling at Camp Braveheart for heart kids every summer as long as he lived in Atlanta.

In January of 2021, when his father passed away, Richard came to live with his mother in Englewood/Port Charlotte, Florida. For the next 2 ½ years, until his death, they enjoyed numerous activities and spent many hours in discussion of Biblical themes. He loved to bowl, and while he wasn’t a pro, had many enjoyable hours at Treasure Lanes.

There will be a Memorial Service in Rich's honor at Northside Christian Church, 685 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood, Florida on October 28, 2023 at 2:00 pm . In addition there will be a Memorial Event to be held in Meadville, Pennsylvania, to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flower, donations may be made to GACH, 1187 Meadow Oaks Drive, Acworth, GA 30102.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the Bower family.