Army National Guard Captain, veteran

 

FALMOUTH — Richard Michael Bowen, 90, of Falmouth, formerly of North Reading, passed away peacefully in his home on June 20, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Born on July 28, 1932 in Malden to Francis and Ethel (Bangs) Bowen, Richard was raised in Malden with his five siblings and spent his summers on Cape Cod. After graduating from Malden High School in 1950, he attended Northeastern University and married the love of his life, Justine Moreau. The couple wed in 1954 and raised four children together, first in Malden, then North Reading and later moving to Falmouth, where they would reside for 44 years.

Richard devoted his professional life to construction, beginning his career as a union carpenter and retiring in the early 2000s as a Project Manager for Gilbane Building Company. Notable projects included the renovation of Harvard Stadium, construction of the Yale Law Library, a brewery for Miller Beer, Exchange Place in Boston, Brown University Geological Science building and the WHOI Research Building. He managed projects around Boston and New England, California, Mississippi and the Carolinas.

Richard also built two homes for Justine and their family and constructed homes with all of his children.

Richard served in the Army National Guard for 25 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. He belonged to the North Reading Company of Minit & Militia, the Cape Cod Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America and the Cape Cod Irish American Club.

Along with spending time with his beloved family, Richard enjoyed playing golf and cribbage in his free time and was passionate about travel with Justine throughout his retirement. When five o’clock hit, he could be found relaxing with a martini in his hand and a smile on his face.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Justine (Moreau) Bowen; his children: Denise Lumb and her husband Tom of North Reading; Marilyn Bowen O’Boyle of Eaton, N.H.; Michael Bowen and his wife Deneen of Seattle, Washington; and niece AnnMarie Needham and her husband Paul of Bourne; his siblings: Marion (Bowen) Pauline of Falmouth; Patricia (Bowen) Curran and her husband Leonard of Gold Canyon, Arizona; Barbara (Bowen) Hannon and her husband Jack of Yarmouthport; and Arthur Bowen and his wife Linda of Estero, Florida; along with seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Bowen; his brother, Frank Bowen; and son-in-law, Thomas O’Boyle.

Visiting hours were held at Chapman Funeral and Cremations, 584 Route 28A, West Falmouth, on Monday, June 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral Mass was held at Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, 481 Quaker Rd., North Falmouth, on Tuesday, June 27 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Richard’s memory to Community Connections Inc. at https://communityconnectionsinc.org/Donate.