Obituaries
Lawrence G. Bowman, 77
March 21, 2021
Lawrence G. Bowman, 77, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021. Born in Lancaster on February 1, 1944, he was the son of the late Gerald E. and Virginia L. (Cree) Bowman.
Larry graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in 1962 and received his diploma in Inhalation Therapy from St. Joseph Hospital in 1965. He spent his entire career working as a registered respiratory therapist. In 1966, he was elected president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Association for Inhalation Therapy. From 1967 to 1982, he was Chief Therapist of the Department of Inhalation at Lancaster General Hospital. He dedicated the next 25+ years, until his retirement, providing respiratory home care full-time as President/CEO of both Lanco Med Homecare, Inc. and Lifeline Medical Alert. Larry also volunteered his time and services with various organizations throughout the county, including the Lancaster Lung Association, American Heart Association and the Optimist Club of Lancaster County. He was on the JPM Alumni Association Board for many years and spent countless hours organizing class reunions.
Larry’s greatest talent and passion was music. He started piano lessons at age 5 and became an accomplished pianist over the years. He played professionally for 43+ years with the Dave Stevens Trio Band, New Holland Big Band, Sound of Roses Big Band, Lebanon Big Band, The Quartet, as well as various church services and special occasions. Classical music was his favorite. He had an extraordinary ability to play the piano by ear, in addition to his ability to improvise and play songs in almost any key, rhythm, tempo and style.
Above all things he’s always treasured, being a father was at the top of his list. Family was his most valuable possession.
Larry is survived by his four children: Jacquie Peifer, wife of Eric, of Lancaster; Christopher Bowman of Lancaster; Valerie Kurtz, wife of Chris, of Mountville; and Ryan Bowman of Lancaster. He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Kyah, Kali, Kade, Gavin and Greyson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald E. Bowman.
Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Monday, April 5, 2021 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment will follow in Conestoga Memorial Park, Lancaster. Family and friends will be received from 10-11AM at the funeral home on Monday.
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Condolences to the Family
April 14, 2021
Larry left his mark … having known Larry through high school, and then working with him when a respiratory therapist and on into our reunion committee…. Larry’s dry sense of humor….humming songs requested of him….always a smile to greet you. Dance band rehearsals, musical rehearsals pioneered by the great Dorothy Schock. These are the memories of Larry I hold dear. We worked together on the McCaskey Class of ’62 reunion committee and Larry was always energetic about finding ways to keep classmates in touch. My heartfelt condolences to his family, of which he was so proud. We’ll miss you, good friend!
LOUISE RYAN CARPENTER
April 07, 2021
I was so sad to see the passing of your dad. I went to school with him .He definitely was a great man. You all were very lucky to have him for your dad. Again my heartfelt sympathy.
Dawn Bomberger
April 04, 2021
I am saddened to learn of the death of Larry, a dedicated member of McCaskey’s class of ’62. ~Cathy Kammerer Keim ’62
April 04, 2021
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Lifting you all up in prayer and love. The Hicks family
April 03, 2021
I haven’t seen Larry for over 50 years, but I have good memories from our friendship as young musicians in high school. We were in band and orchestra together, but our closest connection and enjoyable experiences came from our local combo gigs with Steve, Tom, and Claudia. I don’t think I ever saw him angry or frowning. I recall a practice session at his house when Larry had his arm in a sling (a hurdles injury, I think), but he still had a smile on his face as he played piano one-handed. Even when we were riding to a job in freezing weather, my drums in the back seat of his car, and cold air streaming in because of the broken window vent, he maintained his sense of humor. I send my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck McLaughlin
Winter Park, Florida
April 02, 2021
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to Larry’s family and friends. I worked at LGH from 1975 – 1986 at that time Larry was in charge of the Pulmonary dept. and was respected by all. Keeping you in my prayers during this difficult time! 🙏❤️🙏
Sincerely,
Kim Rittenhouse
April 02, 2021
I am so sorry that you have lost your father. He always had a smile and a joke to tell, and he was such an artist at the piano; we loved listening to him play. Always remember the good times.
April 02, 2021
I am very saddened to hear of Larry’s passing. After he retired he came to work at RRTA parttime and I was his manager. Beyond that, I considered Larry my dear friend. Sending loving prayers for Larry and his family.
April 02, 2021
To all of Larry’s kids,
I’m sorry to hear of your recent loss. My own family, (including my son Neal Bowers), knew yours for many years when we all attended Grace EC Church in Lancaster City. I was friends with your mother, and dad, and also close with your dad’s second wife, Tellie, recently departed due to covid, who was a most beloved lifelong friend. My sympathies for the loss of your talented father. May you seek the Savior for the comfort only He can provide when we turn our lives over to Christ.
Bev Bowers
April 02, 2021
Prayers for the Bowman family. I knew Larry from Lancaster Grace Church when my father pastored there. He played for the girls ensemble and I directed the children’s choir. I am sad to hear this.
April 02, 2021
I worked at Lanco Med 25 years ago..Thank you Larry…My sympathy to his family….Dwayne….
April 01, 2021
I always liked my cousin Larry; good-natured and very funny with the jokes and puns! He was so gifted as a musician and I always wanted to play a fraction of what he could do. He also was generous in sharing his knowledge of the Bowman family , and worked extensively with cousin Linda on a thorough and interesting geneology book. I will miss his musical skiils and sense of humor. cuz, Donna
April 01, 2021
I’ve known Larry since 1962. He was the Best Man at my wedding. I am the “Dave Stevens” of the Dave Stevens Trio. Larry was a terrific musician and we spent many hours practicing and playing together professionally. Over the years our lives took much different paths and we haven’t seen much of each other. A few years ago we got together. He played keyboard and I picked up my sax. It was like old times. Blessings to Larry’s family. Rest in peace my good friend.
Steve Lindenberg, Ph.D.
April 01, 2021
My condolences to your family. I was the secretary in the Respiratory Department at Ephrata. I remember him fondly. He was always filled with joy. May your memories sustain you through your grief.
Dorothy Dreibelbis
April 01, 2021
we were very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing…It’s been many years since I’ve had contact with Larry but I did want to pass on to his family our condolences . We grew up around the corner from the Bowmans and our families were very good friends.The childhood memories we have are too numerous to mention…I do remember Larry at that piano…SO talented for such a young kid…we sometimes vacationed together and spent countless hours playing on the fields at Burrows elementary, and Brookside pool! The last time we spoke was a few years ago when my mother passed away, he called and talked to both my husband and I…he was such a kind person! A good guy!! Blessings to his family!
Judy Reynolds Hollinger
- Visitation
- Monday, April 05, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Monday, April 05, 2021
- 11:00 AM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
