John M Bowen

John, a devoted family man, lifelong learner, and beloved member of the Longmeadow community, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89.
Born in Malden, Massachusetts, John was the son of the late Joe and Vera Bowen and the brother of the late Jeanne Marie Delory. He was raised in Wakefield, MA, and graduated from Malden Catholic High School. He went on to graduate from the College of the Holy Cross, where he maintained lifelong ties as an active and enthusiastic alumnus.

John began his career as a men’s clothing buyer for several retail establishments. His deep love of books and intellectual curiosity eventually led him to manage the Mount Holyoke College Bookstore, a role he held for many years. He later served as president of the New England Independent Booksellers Association, a trade association dedicated to supporting academic retail professionals. A firm believer in lifelong learning, he earned his MBA from Western New England University and went on to share his knowledge by teaching retail management and city planning at Mount Holyoke College, UMass Amherst, and Holyoke Community College.

On July 15, 1961, John married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Hinchey) Bowen. They moved to Longmeadow on February 26, 1965, where they raised their four children: John Bowen of Westfield, MA (wife Lori), Mary Quinn of Medway, MA (husband Kevin), Dan Bowen of Boston, MA (wife Sally), and Andy Bowen of Essex, VT (wife Beth).

John was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren—Michael, Matthew, and Meghan Bowen; Brian (wife Elizabeth) and Dr. Taylor Quinn; Kylee and Jack Bowen; Sam and Charlie Bowen—and great-grandfather to Emma Louise Quinn.

A devoted Catholic, John was an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Longmeadow, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Parish Council. He gave his time generously to the Longmeadow community, volunteering with organizations including the Longmeadow Public Library and the Council on Aging. He was especially proud to see the Council secure funding for the development of the Longmeadow Adult Center.

In retirement, John combined his love of travel, architecture, and the arts by founding a small travel company that organized group tours to New York City, Boston, and other cultural destinations. His love of conversation, gentle wisdom, and gracious spirit made him someone people loved to be around—he had a gift for making others feel heard, even in disagreement. As one family member put it, he was “wicked fun.”

Above all, John’s life was anchored in love—especially the love he had for his wife, Mary Lou, his children, and their growing families. His life was a testament to quiet strength, joyful curiosity, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Parish, East Longmeadow, MA, where he was a devoted parishioner for many years, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. While there is no wake scheduled, a reception will follow the Funeral Mass at Center Street Grille, 84 Center Square, East Longmeadow.

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