Frank James Bower Sr.

Frank James Bower Sr., age 84, of Henderson, Nevada passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021. He was born in Waverly, New York on June 4, 1936. He was a first generation Italian American and the eldest child of Sandy (Alexander) and Carmella Bower (Bavero) and brother to Catherine Young.

In his youth, Frank was a boxer and trained with Rocky Marciano. He made it all the way up the ranks to professional status and was very proud of this accomplishment in his life. Frank lost his beloved wife Sandra on March 27th, 2011 and he missed her every day. After 50 years of marriage, they were still sweethearts and their love is eternal as they are now reunited together in heaven.

Their love story began when Frank was first introduced to Sandy in 1957; and it was love at first sight. Two years later, on September 17, 1959, they eloped and were wed in Buffalo, New York. They renewed their vows at church, in front of family and friends on April 13, 1960. Soon after, the happy couple moved to Niagara Falls and then to Rochester, New York to begin a family. There, Frank worked as a UAW Committeeman at General Motors. Together they have three children, Frank Jr., David and Nicholette.

In 1980, they took a big gamble, packed up the family and headed west to Las Vegas, Nevada to start a new life together. In 1995, Frank and Sandy opened a family business, Bower Ice Cream. He always greeted everyone with a smile and a joke. Frank was a local celebrity, as everyone loved to come in and see Mr. Bower. After a great 10 years, they sold the business and retired.

Frank was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather to ten grandchildren: Jessica, Ashley, Angela, Frankie, David, Darcy, Dana, Danelle, Vincent, Kristen and nine great grandchildren. He also leaves behind daughter-in-law, Denice; and son-in-law, Andy. Uncle to Diane, Alex and Stacy Miller and their two children. Brother-in-law to Gerald Pabis, and extended family Mike and Joan Pavone.

More than anything, Frank enjoyed spending time with his family. Holidays were always his favorite time of year, when all of the family would gather at his house. He loved eating good food, watching western movies, and listening to 50’s music. He always had an ear to lend, a joke to tell, never-ending advice and interesting stories about his life. Words cannot describe what a special person he was, and how much he meant to his family. He will truly be missed by all.

Frank and Sandy share forever a columbarium at Palm Mortuary on Boulder in Henderson, Nevada.

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