Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 01/Oct/2024 71.223.133.220
Gerald Edward Fowler - Class of 1948
- Ed was born October 5, 1929 at home in the city of Newburgh, NY to Joseph L. Fowler and Iona Cargill Fowler. He attended Gardnertown Elementary School and graduated Newburgh High School in 1948. He then graduated from a five-year apprentice program to become an electrical mechanic. Ed worked in the electrical trade for 40 years and was a 70-year member of the IBEW, elected president of the Newburgh IBEW Local 631 for several terms, and was a delegate to the 30th IBEW International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri in 1974. In his younger years, Ed was an avid roller and ice skater, and was part of amateur hockey teams in the area. He married Mary Galletly Zink on July 26, 1953, and they resided in the Village of Montgomery until building a home on Youngblood Road in the Town of Crawford. Ed was a 50-year member of the Brick Reformed Church from 1954 to 2005, serving as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, as well as deacon and elder at different times, and chairman of the annual auction committee. He and Mary were avid campers and traveled with their family across country and on many trips up and down the Eastern seaboard, visiting national and state parks, beaches, historical sites, as well as many beautiful natural wonders. After retirement, Mary and he continued to enjoy many more years of camping and traveling around the United States with their truck, canoe, bikes and travel trailer visiting every state (except Hawaii), and five Provinces of Canada. Camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, sightseeing and enjoying nature brought them much joy. Ed was a long-time supporter of nature conservation. This past July, Mary and Ed celebrated 71 years of marriage. Ed passed away September 22, 2024.
Ed is predeceased by his mother and father, brother James Fowler, and son Neil Schlissel. He is survived by the love of his life, Mary, daughters Kathleen Fowler and Deborah O'Banks, son Kenneth Fowler (wife Tammy), eight grandchildren--Danielle Trenn (husband Steve), Shannon Segec (husband Jessie), Isaiah O'Banks (wife Nicole), Samantha Fowler Blackburn (husband Joshua), Melizza Gonzalez, Noah O'Banks (wife Tyra), Joshua Fowler (wife Abigail), and Ruth Schlissel--and eleven great-grandchildren--Jack Segec, Wambli & Wiyaka Walks, Daion Stewart, Josie Trenn, Rogue Segec, Emmy Lou O'Banks, Nash O'Banks, Leopold Fowler, Bodie Fowler, and Avery Maria Gonzalez.
Ed is remembered by his family as a loving husband, generous and faithful father, and caring grandfather. We thank the Lord Jesus for His many blessings on a life well lived.
Visitation will be Friday, October 18, 2024, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Overhiser's Funeral Home 78 Union Street, Montgomery, NY. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church 137 Clinton St, Montgomery, NY, Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 1pm.
Gerald Edward Fowler - Class of 1948
- Ed was born October 5, 1929 at home in the city of Newburgh, NY to Joseph L. Fowler and Iona Cargill Fowler. He attended Gardnertown Elementary School and graduated Newburgh High School in 1948. He then graduated from a five-year apprentice program to become an electrical mechanic. Ed worked in the electrical trade for 40 years and was a 70-year member of the IBEW, elected president of the Newburgh IBEW Local 631 for several terms, and was a delegate to the 30th IBEW International Conference in Kansas City, Missouri in 1974. In his younger years, Ed was an avid roller and ice skater, and was part of amateur hockey teams in the area. He married Mary Galletly Zink on July 26, 1953, and they resided in the Village of Montgomery until building a home on Youngblood Road in the Town of Crawford. Ed was a 50-year member of the Brick Reformed Church from 1954 to 2005, serving as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, as well as deacon and elder at different times, and chairman of the annual auction committee. He and Mary were avid campers and traveled with their family across country and on many trips up and down the Eastern seaboard, visiting national and state parks, beaches, historical sites, as well as many beautiful natural wonders. After retirement, Mary and he continued to enjoy many more years of camping and traveling around the United States with their truck, canoe, bikes and travel trailer visiting every state (except Hawaii), and five Provinces of Canada. Camping, biking, hiking, canoeing, sightseeing and enjoying nature brought them much joy. Ed was a long-time supporter of nature conservation. This past July, Mary and Ed celebrated 71 years of marriage. Ed passed away September 22, 2024.