Walter Carl ‘Pete’ Bowker Jr., loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather

PORTVILLE — Walter Carl “Pete” Bowker Jr. passed away Tuesday (Dec. 23, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, following a brief illness, with his loving Family by his side.

Born May 16, 1936, in Vincentown, N.J., Pete was the son of Eugenia Cannon Bowker and Walter Carl Bowker Sr.

He attended Southampton high school in New Jersey before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served from 1956-1960, with his final assignment on the USS Jarvis.

On Oct. 28, 1960, Pete married the late Jacqueline Lee Rowe in Vincentown. Together, they moved to Portville, where they raised three children: daughters Robin and Cheri, and later their son Daniel.

Pete was a skilled bricklayer for many years, working with the International Union of Bricklayers and Skilled Craftsman, where he later served as business agent before his retirement. He was well known for his hard work and dedication to his craft.

Outside of work, Pete was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trapping.

After settling in Portville, he raised beagles and attended field trials alongside his father-in-law, Jack Rowe. His children and grandchildren have countless memories of hunting and fishing with him.

Pete was a lifelong sports fan, particularly devoted to his beloved New York Yankees and Buffalo Bills. He also gave back to the community by coaching Little League baseball in Portville for many years. A true athlete at heart, Pete participated in the Old Timers Softball League and later took up golf, competing in numerous leagues and tournaments.

He was a constant presence at his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities, whether it was a parade for the Portville marching band, a dance recital or a sporting event. Most recently, he cherished attending his great-granddaughter’s softball games.

In his retirement, Pete and his wife Jackie, and later his companion Frannie, traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, spending the winters in Florida or Arizona.

Pete was a proud member of the Portville Legion Post 814, VFW Post 2721 and the AMVETS Post 1.

He is survived by his daughters, Robin (Mark) Veno and Cheri (Rod) George, both of Portville; and his Son, Daniel (Christina) Bowker of Myrtle Beach, S.C. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Bryan George, Matthew (Katie Sprague) George, Erin (Joel) Young, Nicholas George, Justin Hellmer, Tyler (Cayla Westfall) Veno, Alix Bowker and Maggie Bowker; and 13 great-grandchildren, Allison George, Jared George, Dylan George, Jackson George, Lily George, Blake George, Brock George, Hailey Young, Hannah Young, Peyton Young, Bella Young, Harley Hellmer and Theodora Veno

Pete was predeceased by his wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Bowker; his parents, Eugenia and Carl Bowker; his sisters, Louise Whittall and Diane Bowker; his granddaughter, Kaitlin Bowker; and his companion, Frances Holcomb.

Family and Friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 27, 2025) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 51 S. Main St., Portville, with funeral services immediately following, with military honors to be accorded by the Allegany American Legion. Burial will take place at the Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Portville.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to The Portville American Legion Post 814, 24 S. Main St., Portville, NY 14770; The Catt. County Dwyer Veteran Program, 512 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760; or to the Portville Little League, P.O. Box 378, Portville, NY 14770.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.