Thomas Edward Bower

Because Tom loved his grandchildren so much, it was his wish that in lieu of flowers, that your kindness be expressed in college fund donations. Tom was always thinking ahead, planning for a successful future.  If you wish, please send your generosity to either David Bower, Marie Bower, or Teresa Bower.  You can contact them for any needed addresses.  The Bower family thanks you for honoring his wishes.

Thomas Edward Bower, age 67, passed away on August 27, 2020. Living in Ellicott City, MD for 33 years, he was born on January 10, 1953 in Amityville, NY, son of Robert and Jane Bower. His brother Charles is two years older. Tom attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He then attended Texas A&M University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, associated with the US Army Engineering Program. In addition, he pursued his first Master of Science in Safety Engineering at the Washington DC extension of the University of Southern California. He capped off his educational career at Loyola University of MD, by receiving his MBA in Business Administration and Management.

Tom was employed by the Department of Defense at Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, MD, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Risk Management, Director of Infrastructure Management, and Associate Director for Business Management and Operations.  After 40 years of federal service, he retired in 2013.  Wanting to experience the private sector, he worked for INTEC Group, Inc. in Fairfax, VA, an architectural interior design firm.  For nearly two years, he provided executive leadership and direction in business development and management, strategic planning, project management and operations, before retiring for good in 2015.

In June of 1975, he married Marie Anne Tassinari of Plymouth, MA, a week after graduating from college. They had two children, David Philipp and Teresa Marie, born 1983 and 1986. When the children were in grade school, he enjoyed coaching David and Teresa’s soccer and softball teams for many years. It was such a joy for him to see them bloom in sports, having done many sports himself growing up.  As adults, Tom spent quality time with his children helping with household projects – from trimming trees to staining decks and building swing sets.  He could often be found at one of his children’s homes lending a hand.

Tom had two grandchildren, Lucas (7) and Jacob (2). Being a grandfather was such a joy for Tom. They were a bright light in his life, bringing so much love and laughter. He enjoyed spending dedicated time with his grandchildren, such as enrolling them in gymnastics, sharing special treats together at the mall, Tuesday lunches at elementary school, picking up at the bus stop, and building Legos.  Family was dear to his heart, and he loved spending quality time at family dinners, barbeques, and special events. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

Using their Florida timeshare, Tom and Marie made many road trips to Disney World when David and Teresa were young.  It was exciting to experience the joy through the eyes of the children.  And of course, more trips to Disney with grown family and grandchildren, made it all that more special.

Marie and Tom loved to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico every two years, through another one of their timeshares. It was just a little bit of heaven for one week.  And they stayed at many a bed and breakfast, visiting various ones in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida.  Sitting by the lake in Celebration, Florida, eating a chocolate chip cookie with a cup of coffee was Tom’s delight.

He was a loyal Christian Scientist, serving his church for 30 years in many capacities, including Treasurer for over 25 years, Maintenance, Board member, and other committees. During his retirement, Tom served on the board of the Ellicott City Historical Society for three years, two of which he served as President. He planned to serve as Treasurer in 2021, serving wherever he was needed. He believed strongly in their purpose of preservation.

His home was his castle, and every blade of grass had to be perfectly cut, the hydrangeas trimmed at the right time of year, and those weeds never had a chance to prosper. Feeding the birds for 40 years was part of his love of nature, and became a constant source of entertainment. He was a loyal Ravens football fan, watching every game no matter how late at night. And of course, he was a devoted Orioles baseball supporter, routing for them at all their televised games. And his family and friends will attest that he was always lending a helping hand to anyone who would ask - his trademark in life.

And finally, one last thought from the Christian Science hymnal (#64):

“From sense to soul, my pathway lies before me,

From mist and shadow, into Truth’s clear day;

The dawn of all things real is breaking o’er me,

My heart is singing, I have found the way.

I reach Mind’s open door, and at its portal,

I know that where I stand is holy ground;

I feel the calm and joy of things immortal,

The loveliness of Love is all around.

The way leads upward and the goal draws nearer,

Thought soars enraptured, fetterless and free;

The vision infinite to me grows clearer,

I touch the fringes of eternity.”

Because Tom loved his grandchildren so much, it was his wish that in lieu of flowers, that your kindness be expressed in college fund donations.  Tom was always thinking ahead, planning for a successful future.  If you wish, please send your generosity to either David Bower, Marie Bower, or Teresa Bower.  You can contact them for any needed addresses.  The Bower family thanks you for honoring his wishes.
 

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