Obituary of Richard William Bowen

Richard William Bowen, 89, of Freehold passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at home. He was born in Utica, N.Y. and had resided in Freehold for the past 60 years. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Ocean on an aircraft carrier. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4374, Freehold and the Belmar Fishing Club. Mr. Bowen was employed by N.J. Transit before his retirement in 1992. He was predeceased by a sister, Lorena Schmidt and beloved nephew, Gene DePugh. Surviving are his wife, Joyce Zwoboda Bowen; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard K. and Maria Bowen; a daughter, Laurie Bowen Distasio; two grandchildren, Lindsay DiStasio and Jodee Richard DiStasio; a niece, Lisa DePugh; two nephews, Eric and Steve DePugh; and a sister-in-law, Alma Dowling. He also leaves two special friends, James Rumola and Douglas Daubert and a host of others. Dick was a very outgoing guy with a big personality that you didn't soon forget. If challenged to arm wrestling, he was sure to win. He always got a laugh when he asked someone, "Do you like me?", but not really expecting an answer. He was a family person and devoted to his two grandchildren Lindsay and Jodee as they grew up. They traveled with him to many places, both in and out of the country on summer vacations. Dick truly loved all children. They will always miss him as the whole family will, always and forever and ever. Dick and Joyce had the joy of celebrating 65 years of marriage this past March. Visiting hours will be held at the Higgins Memorial Home, 20 Center Street, Freehold on Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Veterans of Foreign Wars services will be held on Wednesday at 6:30 P.M.