Obituary of Robert T. Bowers, Sr.

Robert Thomas Bowers, Sr., age 80, passed away suddenly on Oct. 29, 2016.Born in Hammonton, Robert was a lifelong area resident. Robert attended Hammonton High School, leaving Senior year when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After basic training, he was stationed overseas, spending time in Germany. He majored in communications. After receiving his Honorable Discharge, Robert returned to Hammonton & shortly took employment with NJ Bell Telephone as an Installer & Line Man. In 1966, Robert used his electronics knowledge to create Home Systems Co. aka HSC Security. He was Owner/Operator until taking an early retirement in 1993, at which time he took a home study course & received a diploma in PC Repair. He then created RTB Computers, helping individuals & small business owners with their computer needs. But, his greatest passion in life was his marriage to Elizabeth. He & Elizabeth made Collings Lakes their home for 30 years. During that time, he served on the Collings Lakes Ambulance, receiving CPR certification & was awarded a special plaque for his service with the squad. He also had served 1 year on the Buena Regional School Board. He gladly supported the Collings Lakes Fire Dept with their Annual Steak BBQ. He always helped his community whenever possible. In May 1993, he & Liz moved into their new home at Orchards of Elm Elmtowne. Robert is predeceased by his parents, Leonard C. & Eleanor (nee Lerner) Bowers, his loving & devoted wife of 54 years Elizabeth A. (nee Salvatore), sister Rae Critelli (nee Bowers) & brther-in-law Genaro Critelli, brother Edward L. Bowers, Grandson Michael J. Price & Granddaughter Paige Herbert. Robert is survived by his 5 children, son Kenneth & wife Rhonda of Erial NJ, daughter Leslie Herbert of Vineland NJ, daughter Ruth Mattucci (Charlie Ferrence) of Wilmington DE, son Robert T Jr & wife Lisa of Las Vegas NV, daughter Linda Gradia & son-in-law Joseph D Gradia Jr of Collings Lakes NJ, granddaughter Lacey Herbert & great-granddaughter Elisabeth Rose, grandson Marc Bowers, his in-laws Albert & Lucille Salvatore, Rita (nee Salvatore) & Anthony Cupani, Joseph & June Salvatore, many nieces/nephews & cousins, as well as his loving friend & companion Loretta Dobbs. On behalf of the Bowers Family, we are truly grateful to Loretta for all the love joy, laughter & caring that she gave to Robert over the past few years. Robert enjoyed many hobbies in his early years. Shooting pool, swimming, dancing, fishing, card playing, camping. He enjoyed going out in the early hours to diners for coffee. He later took up camping in his seasonal RVs. He & Liz hosted many family BBQs. He & Liz enjoyed many trips to California to visit friends. Robert also enjoy many trips to the Atlantic City Casinos. Robert was a highly intelligent man who was very devoted to his family. for all who truly know &love Robert, he is dearly missed. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at the Carnesale Funeral home, 202 S. Third Street in Hammonton, where funeral services will take place at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Egg Harbor City Cemetery on Moss Mill Road in Egg Harbor. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org or American Lung Association, www.lung.org.