Longtime Neshaminy Schools Superintendent Mourned

LANGHORNE, PA —The Neshaminy School District has announced the passing of former Schools Superintendent Gary L. Bowman, who led the district for a decade.

The school district said Wednesday that Bowman served as superintendent from 1992 until his retirement in 2002.

Bowman died on Wednesday. The school district did not mention a cause of death.

Jason Bowman, his son, is now the school district's current superintendent.

School officials said that Bowman devoted his life to education and public service as a teacher, school administrator in multiple roles, and active leader in community organizations both before and after his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Joan, who was a teacher and public librarian.

"We offer our condolences to the Bowman family," the school district said in a Facebook post.

Funeral and memorial arrangements were not available.

"If you have followed, supported or have been fortunate enough to play or coach in this storied football program over the last three decades, then you understand why so many hearts are heavy tonight," the Official Neshaminy Redskins Football said in a Facebook post.

The organization said that Bowman "was an inspirational leader whose vision and expertise were only outweighed by his loyalty and compassion. He instilled a faith and confidence in people that is hard to describe. When you were around Dr. Bowman, you wanted to be better and do more."

The 2001 Neshaminy Football season, his final as superintendent, was dedicated to Bowman in appreciation for his "unwavering support" of the program, the organization said.

"It’s no coincidence that the season ended with him holding a gold football following a state championship win in Hershey," the team said. "It was the fitting end to a legendary career."

However, that was not nearly the end of his impact on Neshaminy Football.

"Every bit of success in the two decades that have followed can in some way be traced back to Dr. Bowman’s leadership," the team said. "His legacy and lessons on life are never far from our minds and hearts."

"Dr. Bowman’s passing today is a great reminder of the power of positivity and the importance of setting up future generations for success. We will continue to use the platform of football to impact lives in a way that would make him proud," the team stated. "He was simply the best."

(Photo Courtesy of the Neshaminy School District)