Jay L. Bowers

Born in Gowanda on Aug. 21, 1952 the son of Leland and Gladys (Brooks) Bowers.

Jay graduated from Gowanda Central, class of 1970. After graduation he continued his education at Syracuse University where he received his bachelors degree in enviromental education and conservation. He graduated from Syracuse in 1974. He married the former Alice E. Harrington at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Gowanda on Aug. 30, 1974. Jay and his wife both taught at the former St. Joseph’s School in Gowanda, Jay taught mathematics and science. While teaching at St. Joes Jay took night courses to become a registered nurse at D’Youville College in Buffalo. He received his nursing degree from D’Youville and began his nearly 40 year career in nursing. He worked at the former Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Gowanda and then he worked at the former JNAdam Developmental Hospital in Perrysburg until it’s closing and transferring to the WNYDDSO in West Seneca. At the time of his retirement in 2021, Jay was the assistant director of training for the WNYDDSO in West Seneca. He mentored many of the nursing students through the program. Not only did Jay mentor, he became friends with many of the students and nurses.

Jay volunteered for the Gowanda Ambulance Service for more than 20 years, he was an EMT and a supervisor for the ambulance service. Jay also served on the Gowanda Ambulance’s board of directors.

Jay was a family man that enjoyed camping, was an avid reader a big Star Wars fan and looked forward to going to Big Foot Conventions when they were in the area. Jay also had a love for his canine companion, Kramer that passed a short time ago.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Alice E. Bowers; their daughters: Tiffany (Kostas Katsigiannis) Bowers of Portville, Jessica (Adam Lutz) Buck of Gowanda, and Krista Brown of Delevan; nine grandchildren: Brodie, Magnum, Ruger, Aurora, ,Nathaniel, Aliceyn, Ava Jane , Kyla and Jade; a great-granddaughter, Raylyn; and a great-grandson due in February. Jay is also survived by a sister, Linda (Gary) Nash of Perrysburg; along with several nieces and nephews; and a son-in-law, Hank Buck of Lockport .

Besides his parents, Jay was preceded in death by three brothers: Paul (Nancy living) Bowers of Gowanda, George and William Bowers; a granddaughter, Rayven; and a nephew (Linda and Gary’s son) Mark Nash .

Friends may call Friday From 4-7 p.m. from the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St., Gowanda, where funeral services will be held Saturday Oct. 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. Interment in the Jolls Cemetery .

If desired, memorials may be made to the Gowanda Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 143 Gowanda, NY 14070 or to Roswell Park Elm and Carlton St. Buffalo, NY 14263.