Robert E. Bower, 93, of West Kittanning, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2015, at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. He was born May 31, 1922, in Ford City, a son of the late John and Mary (Braun) Bower. Mr. Bower worked more than 30 years at PPG, later at Allegheny Ludlum and then retired as an accountant at Rupp's Gas and Oil. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving in the South Pacific on the battleship, USS Minneapolis II, and the minesweeper, the USS Execute. His church, St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic in Kittanning, where he was a longtime member, was very important to him. Known for his enthusiasm for basketball, Bob played for the Ford City Glassers High School Basketball Team until his graduation in 1940. He continued to play basketball throughout his life as a member of the Kittanning YMCA until he was 88 years old, as well as at the Whelan Park Playground Basketball Association. (PBA) annual outing where he was the longtime foul-shooting champion. Bob was also a member of BPOE No. 203 in Kittanning and enjoyed doing the New York Times crossword puzzles. Family and basketball were his life. Survivors include his sons, Robert T. Bower, of West Kittanning, and Edwin C. Bower (Susan), of Applewold; daughter, Mary Jo Lynch, of Lancaster, Ohio; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Mary Bower, who died July 7, 2007; sisters, Dorothy Burns, Mary Harrison, Virginia Bower and Lucille Weeks; brothers, Albert, Frank, Charles and John Bower; and son-in-law, Howard Lynch. Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the KENNEDY and BLODGETT FUNERAL HOME in Kittanning. Parting prayers will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church in Kittanning, with the Rev. Douglas E. Dorula officiating. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Music Ministry

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