Obituary of Maurice Francis Bowen

Maurice Francis Bowen, 77, of Brooklyn passed away on Monday June 20, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Eleanor F. Bowen. He was born in Waterbury on November 14, 1933 to Francis and Margaret Bowen. Maury graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Maury proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant in the Army. He spent four years in France. He returned to his native Connecticut in 1960. He worked at Roger's Corporation from 1966 to 1991. He was involved with all aspects of life in Brooklyn. He served six years on the Board of Education, four years on the Board of Finance, nine years as a Selectman and six years as the First Selectman. Highlights of his political career include ; replacing the Wolf heads on the Israel Putnam statue, establishing the Korean and Vietnam Memorials, obtaining the property for the Riverwalk, and his ten years of dedication to get Brooklyn one zip code. He was instrumental in raising over $50,000 to restore the steeple on the Old Brooklyn Meeting House. He taught at Quinebaug Valley Community College and he was on the building commission for the Brooklyn Town Library. Maury was happiest when he was spending time with his family and friends. He especially loved his summers in Gloucester, Ma. which was like a second home to him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Eleanor and his three daughters, Maura Bowen, Stacey (David) Katz, Thera (Andy) Stack, and his daughter in law, Cheryl Bowen. His three sisters, Margie Farren, Arelene Sullivan and Marilyn Nicholson, survive him. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, whom he adored, Jeremy (Gretchen) Jax, Meghan (Paul Gervais) Jax, Kayla Jax, Melissa, Michael and Rachel Katz and Sam and Allie Stack and his brother's in-law and many nieces and nephews. His son Gregory Charles Bowen predeceased him. He enriched the lives of everyone he met. He will be forever in our hearts. The Funeral will be Friday, June 24, 2011 at 9:15 AM from Gagnon and Costello Funeral Home, 33 Reynolds Street Danielson, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. James Church, 12 Franklin Street, Danielson, CT, followed by Military Honors. Calling Hours Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Brooklyn Town Library, PO Box 357, Brooklyn, CT 06234. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.gagnonandcostellofh.com