Bertram "Bert" Bowen Jr.

May 1, 2022

On May 1, 2022, Bertram Edward Bowen, (Bert), at age 64, went home to be with the Lord. Born July 10, 1957 in Jersey City, then lived in Ridgefield Park, and enjoyed 20 years of retirement living in Toms River, Holiday City. The simplest pleasures of life brought Bert great joy and contentment. His legacy of truly embracing life to the fullest, being grateful for each day, helping others, and his unwavering Faith in God will live on through all who love him. Bert is predeceased by his parents Bert and Marie Bowen. He is the beloved brother to Frank and Michael Bowen and Valerie Bowen Voelpel. Brother-in-law to Sharon Bowen, Denise Bowen and Doug Voelpel. Adored Uncle to Brittany Bowen Erni, Lauren Bowen, Christopher Voelpel, Nicholas Voelpel, Jacqueline Bowen and predeceased by his nephew Michael Bowen. Loved by many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and countless friends. Bert worked as a Financial Bonds Clerk, for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank in New York City. The bank merged and changed names several times over the 20 years he worked there. He retired shortly after 9/11. Bert had just exited the WTC that morning and was across the street when the first plane hit. This was the second time Bert came close to and escaped death. God graced us with many years of extended time with Bert and we are eternally grateful for every moment. Bert graduated from Hudson Catholic High School in 1975, and he attended Jersey City State College for 2 years. Bert was an avid sports lover, an incredible athlete, and coached basketball for several years in his late teens! His teams were the NY Mets, NY Giants, and he enjoyed both the NY Knicks and NJ Nets! Bert belonged to the Carefree Men’s Dart Club, the Bocce and Shuffleboard Legues, and the Carefree Men’s Club. He was a Parishioner at St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Catholic Church and for a short time a Martial Artist at Revolution Ryu Karate in California. Bert volunteered at Bingo in his community every Tuesday night and it was the highlight of his week! Bert LOVED Bingo night, I believe because he was able to greet and talk with so many people, which would make him soooo happy! The Carefree community pool was another favorite and highlight of Bert’s enjoyment; especially on the weekends when the kids were there to play with! Bert Loved babies and kids, and they always loved him and I believe saw his beautiful inner light! Bert was the ‘Unofficial’ Mayor of Holiday City ‘Carefree’ Senior Development. He was an exceptional, gentle, kind, loving spirit who was so so loved! He made an impact on people of all ages that only knew him briefly, to those he knew for a lifetime. He was the epitome of unconditional love. Bert’s infections smile lit up the world and all those around him and his light shined like a shooting star! What a legacy and life so well lived! I hope we all can take a page out of Bert’s book and live more like he did and embrace life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed but our love for him will never die… In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in Bert’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Brain Injury Association of America.