Vernon Mourns Loss Of Longtime Educator, Firefighter Dick Bowman

VERNON, CT — Vernon residents this week are mourning the loss of a former longtime educator and firefighter Richard "Dick" Bowman.

Bowman died Friday at the age of 74.

Bowman was a Vernon resident since 1956 and graduated from Rockville High School in 1965. He went on the get advanced degrees from Boston University, Central Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut.

He was a speech pathologist with the Vernon public school system for 15 years before becoming the system's special education supervisor. He became the assistant principal and interim principal at RHS.

Bowman retired in 2004 and continued to stay active on numerous trusts and scholarship committees in the community.

In the Vernon Fire Department, was a retired engineer, life and charter member and was on the department's Fitton Hose Company.

Bowman was a firefighter for half a century and was instrumental in his efforts to assist the Vernon Fire District and Rockville Fire Departments merge in 1979. His grandson, Adam, became the fifth generation of Bowman firefighters.

He was active with Union Congregational Church as a mentor, instructor, leader, and friend to many.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Union Church, 3 Elm St., Vernon. Burial will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery. Calling hours are slated for Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon.

See his full obituary here.

See photos of his career here.