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Richard C. Bower

Richard C. Bower, 79, a longtime resident of Madison, passed away at Middlesex Hospital, Middletown, on Jan. 24. Husband of Sharon (Brymer) Bower. Mr. Bower was born in New Haven on March 16, 1943, the son of the late Joseph J. Bower and Vivien (Johnson) Bower.

He was the loving father of Holly Eaton and her husband, John, of Minot, North Dakota, and Dawn K. Bower of Madison. He is also survived by three grandchildren, InJa Wheeler, Magdalena Rose, and Georgette Eaton, and was the brother of Sandra Duhaime of Gold Canyon, Arizona.

Richard proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. While there, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. To be given this award made him very proud of serving his country. He was a lifetime member of the 16th Infantry Regiment Society. He is a 1961 graduate of West Haven High School and continued his education at Quinnipiac University earning his bachelor of science degree.

Before retirement, he had worked as a manager of Data Systems Marketing for SNET and SBC companies for 35 years.

Richard enjoyed growing plants, especially African violets. He was a longtime member and past president of the Thimble Islands African Violet Society, where he entered his plants in their adjudicated shows and received many blue ribbons and other awards. He was also a member of the Nutmeg State African Violet Society and the African Violet Society of America. He was a past judge of violet exhibitions for many years. Richard was an active member of the Madison VFW Post #2096, where he was a former Post Commander and, most recently, longtime Quarter Master until the time of his passing. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his canine “girlfriend,” Madison, who greatly misses him.

Graveside services will be held at noon Friday, Feb. 10, in the CT State Veteran Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown.

Military honors and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Quilts of Valor, 30 Atlantic St., Niantic. CT 06337 (QOFV.org) or Madison VFW Post 2096, 85 Lovers Lane, Madison, CT 06443. Arrangements in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford, CT 06437. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.